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

There were also plans for an underground service road to separate VIP visitors from refuse collections, a new staff entrance, a cafe and "recreation facilities" in the basement.

From BBC

“It’s weird and wonderful. And like all good things, it takes a little time to appreciate,” Mair, who teaches in the department of recreation and leisure studies at Waterloo, said of the sport.

From Los Angeles Times

At an event that included a recreation of the Stars Hollow gazebo, ‘Gilmore Girls’ fans, including several mother-daughter duos, said the show is as comforting as ever.

From Los Angeles Times

Shares had declined 16% this year as of Thursday’s close, with weak consumer sentiment and uncertainty around tariffs weighing on the outdoor recreation industry.

From Barron's

In 1956, while serving in the Army, his photograph appeared in a newspaper with his design for a model recreation room for enlisted men; it was his first taste of publicity, and he liked it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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