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
leisure adjective

see also at 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.
In each case, researchers found that participants experienced hallmarks of serious leisure. Emily Messina, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2026 Historically, lower-income households utilize tax refunds to increase spending on goods, travel, and leisure by nearly 40% in the weeks following receipt. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 D’Amaro was put in charge of the effort, which is designed to cement Disney’s leading position in leisure entertainment. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 With an economy propped up by the technology and defense sectors in addition to leisure and hospitality, San Diego County has a higher share of people with at least a bachelor’s degree, which helps explain its higher income, said Ryan Ratcliff, an economics professor at the University of San Diego. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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

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