leisure

noun

lei·sure ˈlē-zhər ˈle-

ˈlā-

Synonyms of leisure

: 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

: ease, leisureliness

leisure adjective

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.

Summer jobs are often temporary, entry-level and in areas like leisure and hospitality. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 That applies to organisations such as cafes, leisure centres, gyms and hairdressers, as well as public toilets, local sports clubs with at least 25 members, hospital wards, domestic violence shelters and rape-crisis shelters. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 6 Aug. 2026 But over time, many retirees find that purpose matters more than leisure alone. — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 But there are plenty of other destinations around the world that are just as well suited to business or leisure travel. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

leisure

noun

lei·sure ˈlēzh-ər ˈlezh-

ˈlāzh-

: freedom from work or duties

: ease entry 1 sense 1

: time at one's command : convenience

has the leisure to pursue a hobby

leisure adjective

leisure

noun

Synonyms of leisure

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

invidious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes

leisure

noun

Synonyms of leisure

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing leisure

Rhymes for leisure

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

invidious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes