definitions
  • synonyms

leisure

[ lee-zher, lezh-er ]
/ ˈli ʒər, ˈlɛʒ ər /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR leisure ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

freedom from the demands of work or duty: She looked forward to retirement and a life of leisure.
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.
unhurried ease: a work written with leisure and grace.

adjective

RELATED CONTENT

8 Terms For Fashions Gone ExtinctRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
Never Use These Phrases At WorkRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

available, unused, clear, loose, empty, lazily, languidly, sluggishly, unemployed, spare, idle, extra, uninhabited, unobstructed, vacant, unimpeded, unengaged, unhampered, calmly, comfortably

Nearby words

leishmaniasis, leishmaniasis recidivans, leishmaniasis tegumentaria diffusa, leishmanic, leister, leisure, leisure centre, leisure class, leisure home, leisure sickness, leisure suit

Idioms

    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.
    at one's leisure, when one has free time; at one's convenience: Take this book and read it at your leisure.

Origin of leisure

1250–1300; Middle English leisir < Old French, noun use of infinitive ≪ Latin licēre to be permitted
Related formslei·sur·a·ble, adjectivelei·sure·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for at leisure

leisure

/ (ˈlɛʒə, US ˈliːʒər) /

noun

  1. time or opportunity for ease, relaxation, etc
  2. (as modifier)leisure activities
ease or leisureliness
at leisure
  1. having free time for ease, relaxation, etc
  2. not occupied or engaged
  3. without hurrying
at one's leisure when one has free time

Word Origin for leisure

C14: from Old French leisir; ultimately from Latin licēre to be allowed
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for at leisure

leisure

n.

early 14c., leisir, "opportunity to do something" (as in phrase at (one's) leisure), also "time at one's disposal," from Old French leisir (Modern French loisir) "capacity; permission; leisure, spare time; free will; idleness, inactivity," noun use of infinitive leisir "be permitted," from Latin licere "be permitted" (see licence). The -u- appeared 16c., probably on analogy of words like pleasure. Phrase leisured class attested by 1836.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with at leisure (1 of 2)

at leisure

1

Slowly, without haste, as in the famous 16th-century proverb, Marry in haste and repent at leisure.

2

Unemployed, having free time, as in I'm not looking for another job right now; I want to be at leisure for at least a few months. This usage has become less common but is still heard. [1300s] Also see at one's leisure.

Idioms and Phrases with at leisure (2 of 2)

leisure

see at leisure; at one's leisure.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.