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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Ruth Bamford, assistant director for planning, leisure and culture services at the council, said some changes had been made, but not all the requests from the family could be met.

From BBC

He said the government intended to permanently introduce lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from next year.

From BBC

Business and leisure travel are showing signs of a pick-up after a weak start to the year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convenience 
• recreation 
• relaxation