leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈle- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlā-
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
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

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.
This meant, we were told, Pripyat’s wide array of leisure facilities had been geared towards a more youthful community, culminating in the still imposing Palace of Culture in Lenin Square, where all manner of sports had been enjoyed by the locals along with trips to the cinema and theatre. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Interestingly, this isn't to attract corporate clients or leisure travelers who want to upgrade from another part of the plane—the main aim is to attract the private jet set, who might be encouraged by ecological guilt and a desire to reduce the price tag of a private plane. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Domestic leisure demand, long a core revenue stream, took a hit. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 24 Apr. 2025 Home entertainment provides a cheaper form of leisure than most other activities. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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
3
: time at one's command : convenience
has the leisure to pursue a hobby
leisure adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

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