recreation

American  

[rek-ree-ey-shuhn] / ˌrɛk riˈeɪ ʃən /

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.

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recreation British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• recreatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of recreation

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

Example Sentences

Founded in 1838, Mount Hope was one of the earliest “garden cemeteries” to feature elaborate headstones, gazebos and benches used for public recreation as well as for burials.

From Literature

Price increases for recreation and culture were also strong, the ABS said.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was a special focus on recreation for neighborhood boys who, thought Simkhovitch, preferred doing things to being talked at: Greenwich House sponsored a science club and carpentry classes.

From The Wall Street Journal

The school billed itself as the Inland Empire’s Division I home team, but community and donor support languished, and the basketball teams still play in a student-funded gym designed as a student recreation center.

From Los Angeles Times

Chesney ordered the government to provide detainees with timely and confidential access to attorneys, temperature-appropriate clothing and blankets free of charge and access to adequate outdoor recreation spaces for at least an hour a day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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