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”

Example Sentences

Separately, the government announced spring and autumn school holidays and is encouraging staggered paid leave—moves that could lift family-oriented tourism and leisure spending.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Daley told BBC News that the closure of the pool at the Citadel leisure centre could hamper any growth of the sport in Scotland.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Nature and the wilderness will continue to be the most satisfying and most reinvigorating way to spend our leisure time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Travel-related companies have weathered investor fears that the war with Iran would sap demand for leisure travel.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Clustered around the screens that face in are chairs and benches and tables, like people gather here to watch at their leisure.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation