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

The more leisure time we have, combined with technology making things cheaper and easier, it would increase the trash output.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A company has been charged over the death of a five-a-side footballer who was electrocuted at a leisure centre in 2016.

Read more on BBC

"This community is incredibly resilient and kind," said Catherine Fookes, as the town's leisure centre has been open to people who were evacuated from their properties.

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Dutiful Meg paradoxically longs for leisure and fashionable clothes; impetuous Jo yearns for literary fame; shy, music-loving Beth wishes only for everyone to be happy; artistic Amy craves admiration and status.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cosla said chief executives were responsible for everything from education and childcare, housing, social work and care, to roads and transport, waste and recycling, and leisure and culture.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• convenience 
• recreation 
• relaxation