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:

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.
If everything went right, the OpenAI founders believed, artificial intelligence could usher in a post-scarcity utopia, automating grunt work, curing cancer, and liberating people to enjoy lives of leisure and abundance. Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Since tomorrow is never promised, many Americans who put off planning could face a health care emergency that derails their travel, leisure and other retirement plans, advisers said. Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026 While other Imperial hotels draw business travelers, this property is designed specifically for leisure travelers and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026 It was followed by leisure and hospitality with 5,900; other services with 3,000, professional and business services (legal, scientific, waste management, architectural) with 700; and financial activities with 300. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 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 6 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

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