leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈle- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlā-
Synonyms of leisurenext
1
: freedom provided by the cessation of activities
especially : time free from work or duties
increase of leisure, diminution of hustle are the ends to be sought —Bertrand Russell
2
: ease, leisureliness
leisure adjective
Phrases
at leisure or at one's leisure
: in one's leisure time : at one's convenience
read the book at her leisure

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

I don't have much time for leisure. upon retiring, the elderly couple looked forward to a life of well-deserved leisure
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Will Xi Jinping offer Trump a deal to let China militarize the whole South China Sea, and later digest Taiwan at leisure? —Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024 The Asus Vivobook Pro 15 straddles the line between productivity and leisure. —Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Just as the Strip cuts through Las Vegas, Sheikh Zayed Road runs through the heart of Dubai and many of the city's major leisure attractions are a stone's throw away from it. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The flagship carries the full range of men’s and women’s apparel across the leisure, active and lifestyle categories. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leisure 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English leiser, from Anglo-French leisir, from leisir to be permitted, from Latin licēre — see license entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leisure was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing leisure

Dictionary Entries Near leisure

leisurable

leisure

leisure class

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

leisure

noun
lei·​sure ˈlēzh-ər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈlezh- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlāzh-
1
: freedom from work or duties
2
: ease entry 1 sense 1
3
: time at one's command : convenience
has the leisure to pursue a hobby
leisure adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

Nglish: Translation of leisure for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of leisure for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leisure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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