definitions
  • synonyms

recreation

[ rek-ree-ey-shuh n ]
/ ˌrɛk riˈeɪ ʃən /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR recreation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the like.
a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment.

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RELATED WORDS

pleasure, enjoyment, diversion, relaxation, fun, hobby, amusement, picnic, repose, avocation, pastime, playtime, sport, exercise, entertainment, ease, vacation, refreshment, holiday, hilarity

Nearby words

recovery stock, recpt, recreant, recreantly, recreate, recreation, recreation ground, recreation room, recreational, recreational drug, recreational vehicle

Origin of recreation

1350–1400; Middle English recreacioun (< Middle French recreation) < Latin recreātiōn- (stem of recreātiō) restoration, recovery, equivalent to recreāt(us) (see recreate) + -iōn- -ion
Related formsrec·re·a·to·ry [rek-ree-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ˈrɛk ri əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective

Definition for recreation (2 of 2)

re-creation

[ ree-kree-ey-shuh n ]
/ ˌri kriˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

the act of creating anew.
something created anew.

Origin of re-creation

First recorded in 1515–25; re- + creation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for recreation

British Dictionary definitions for recreation (1 of 2)

recreation

/ (ˌrɛkrɪˈeɪʃən) /

noun

refreshment of health or spirits by relaxation and enjoyment
an activity or pastime that promotes this
  1. an interval of free time between school lessons
  2. (as modifier)recreation period

British Dictionary definitions for recreation (2 of 2)

re-creation

noun

the state or instance of creating again or anewthe re-creation of the Russian Empire
a simulation or re-enactment of a scene, place, time, etca re-creation of a vineyard kitchen
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 recreation

recreation

n.

late 14c., "refreshment or curing of a person, refreshment by eating," from Old French recreacion (13c.), from Latin recreationem (nominative recreatio) "recovery from illness," noun of action from past participle stem of recreare "to refresh, restore, make anew, revive, invigorate," from re- "again" (see re-) + creare (see create). Meaning "refresh oneself by some amusement" is first recorded c.1400.

A verb recreate "to refresh by physical influence after exertion" is attested from early 15c. and was used by Lyly, Pope, Steele, and Harriet Martineau, but it did not take, probably to avoid confusion with recreate.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper