leisure

[lee-zher, lezh-er]

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.

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.

leisure

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• leisurable adjective
• leisureless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leisure¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leisure¹

C14: from Old French leisir; ultimately from Latin licēre to be allowed

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see at leisure; at one's leisure.

Example Sentences

Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of the leisure and attractions consultant agency International Theme Park Services Inc, said the ride is more apt to cause unexpected naps than medical incidents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The project aims to promote medical tourism in Macau, create jobs and bring healthcare and leisure under one roof, said the resort chain's chief executive Lawrence Ho.

Read more on BBC

Those who have joined the group legal claim all either live or work alongside the rivers or use them regularly for leisure activities like swimming and canoeing.

Read more on BBC

The council must spend the money it earns via the tourist tariff on facilities and services used by business and leisure visitors.

Read more on BBC

Celebrated for decades as Hollywood royalty, Jane Fonda could easily be living a comfortable life of extravagance and leisure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convenience 
• recreation 
• relaxation