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.
Crossword puzzles offer a fantastic opportunity to engage your mind, enjoy leisure time, and test your knowledge simultaneously. Sally Hoelscher, USA Today, 20 July 2025 Popular among business and leisure travelers throughout the Northeast Corridor, the Acela line stretches from Boston to Washington, D.C., with several stops along the way, including in New York City and Philadelphia. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025 Once synonymous with leisure and reprieve, summer has increasingly become a season marked by anxiety and disruption. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025 Try this bra with light support for low-impact workouts such as yoga or everyday leisure. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 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 24 Jul. 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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