recreation

American  

[rek-ree-ey-shuhn] / ˌrɛk riˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the like.

2. a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment.

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recreation British  

/ ˌrɛkrɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. refreshment of health or spirits by relaxation and enjoyment

2. an activity or pastime that promotes this

3. 1. an interval of free time between school lessons

   2. ( as modifier )

      recreation period

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Other Word Forms

• recreatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of recreation

1350–1400; Middle English recreacioun (< Middle French recreation ) < Latin recreātiōn- (stem of recreātiō ) restoration, recovery, equivalent to recreāt ( us ) ( recreate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The budget would shift the agency’s focus toward domestic timber production and wildfire risk mitigation and response, and away from more recent turns toward conservation and recreation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

China also recently issued a guideline advancing child-friendly development more broadly, calling for improvements in schooling, medical care, travel, sports, and recreation.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

There’s also a two-story, paneled library; extra rooms on the lower level for play and recreation; a home gym; and an indoor pool.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Its fantastical sets feature a recreation of Kahlo’s canopy bed from which a tree with artery-like limbs stretches toward the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Sing Sing moved in some ways into the future, incorporating a small number of vocational programs, a few school courses, a counseling staff, and expanded opportunities for inmate recreation.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• amusement
• diversion
• enjoyment
• fun
• hobby
• pleasure
• relaxation