recreation

[rek-ree-ey-shuhn]

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.

recreation

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• recreatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recreation¹

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

Example Sentences

Its main product line is four-wheeled off-road vehicles used for work and recreation.

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Image: The picture shows an artist's recreation of the orbital paths of both brown dwarf stars, in blue, and of the unusually orbiting planet, in orange.

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She was escorted to the recreation area for late-night workouts, and was allowed to shower after other inmates were confined to their bunks at 8 p.m.

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Frenemies Mayor Karen Bass and developer Rick Caruso are working together to rebuild a city recreation center in the Pacific Palisades.

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Those prisons provide a chance for recreation, education, interaction with other inmates, as well as the possibility of transferring to lower-security institutions as a reward for good behavior.

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Related Words

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