leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈle- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlā-
Synonyms of leisure
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
see also:
at leisure

Synonyms of leisure

Relevance
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.
The format brings together offline connection, creative expression, hands-on activity, community and screen-light leisure. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Rooms and suites offer views over the ocean, the South Mumbai cityscape, or the bay and are elegantly fitted for business and leisure travellers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The sociologist of leisure Jean-Didier Urbain writes about tourism as a way to step outside your social context. — Caitlín Doherty, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Unlike Hawaii or Thailand, which revolved around passive leisure, Cannes is fueled by premieres, deal making and status anxiety. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for leisure

See All Rhymes for leisure

Browse Nearby Words

leisurable
leisure
leisure class
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leisure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All