recreational

adjective

rec·​re·​a·​tion·​al ˌre-krē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce recreational (audio)
Synonyms of recreationalnext
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of recreation
a recreational area
recreational activities
2
: of or relating to recreational drugs or their use
a recreational drug user
Colorado's burgeoning marijuana industry had struggled under its own astonishing success since legal recreational sales began Jan. 1.—David Migoya
recreationally adverb

Examples of recreational in a Sentence

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.
It can be found in the bodies of water that people use for recreational activities and drinking water. — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Overall, the new plans show the East Potomac Golf Links being expanded about 50 acres into parkland that is currently being used for picnicking, fishing, cycling and other recreational activities, the newspaper reported on June 30. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 Dipaola found that there was unexpected interest in the Airstreams for more recreational, short-term stays, and as demand grew, his housing experiment evolved into the beginnings of the hospitality experience that the company offers today. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 The open space would include a dog park and possibly a playground and other recreational amenities, Floyd said. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recreational

Word History

Etymology

recreation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recreational was in 1656

Phrases Containing recreational

Rhymes for recreational

See All Rhymes for recreational

Browse Nearby Words

recreation
recreational
recreational drug
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Cite this Entry

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

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