leisure

American  

[lee-zher, lezh-er] / ˈli ʒər, ˈlɛʒ ər /

noun

1. freedom from the demands of work or duty.

   She looked forward to retirement and a life of leisure.

2. time free from the demands of work or duty, when one can rest, enjoy hobbies or sports, etc..

   Most evenings he had the leisure in which to follow his interests.

3. unhurried ease.

   a work written with leisure and grace.

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adjective

1. free or unoccupied.

   leisure hours.

2. having leisure.

   the leisure class.

3. (of clothing) suitable to or adapted for wear during leisure; casual.

   a leisure jacket.

4. designed or intended for recreational use.

   leisure products like bowling balls and video games.

idioms

1. at one's leisure, when one has free time; at one's convenience.

   Take this book and read it at your leisure.

2. at leisure,

   1. with free or unrestricted time.

   2. without haste; slowly.

   3. out of work; unemployed.

      Because of the failure of the magazine, many experienced editors are now at leisure.

leisure British  

/ ˈliːʒər, ˈlɛʒə /

noun

1. 1. time or opportunity for ease, relaxation, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      leisure activities

2. ease or leisureliness

3. 1. having free time for ease, relaxation, etc

   2. not occupied or engaged

   3. without hurrying

4. when one has free time

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leisure More Idioms  

1. see at leisure; at one's leisure.

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Other Word Forms

• leisurable
  adjective
• leisureless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of leisure

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English leisir, from Old French, noun use of infinitive, ultimately from Latin licēre “to be allowed”

Explanation

Leisure is time off, spare time, sweet sweet freedom from the demands of work. It's like playtime for grown-ups. Leisure is time away from commitments like work or school. Leisure activities might include windsailing, golfing, crocheting a portrait of Betsy Ross, staring at one's navel, whatever. It's the freedom to do what the heck you want. It's not time for punching the clock or writing a paper on the role of matchsticks in the Industrial Revolution; it's kick-your-shoes-off time. If you read a book at your leisure, there's no rush. Leisure is more rare for some than others. "The billionaire was a woman of leisure," but leisure time is a luxury for most.

Example Sentences

Coming just as postwar America was rediscovering leisure travel, the song was a big hit — and for many, a painful irony.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

“As this progresses, I might have to change my spring and summer plans” for leisure travel, said Lamptey, 50.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"Tourism isn't just about leisure and recreation. It could also contribute to people's physical and mental health," Ms. Hu added.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Sectors like healthcare, as well as leisure and hospitality, are seeing a spike in demand as older consumers’ spending flows into those industries.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

You are, as they say, stuck with it and have leisure to feel all its peculiar irritations and discomforts.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation