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

China also recently issued a guideline advancing child-friendly development more broadly, calling for improvements in schooling, medical care, travel, sports, and recreation.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

In addition to its panoramic city and park views, the building boasts a private entrance, gym, common outdoor space, health club, and a common media and recreation room.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Detectives hope a new digital recreation of a man's face could help them work out who he was - 18 months on from his highly decomposed body being found in a remote mid Wales reservoir.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Justin Seastrand, forest recreation manager at Angeles National Forest, said the East Fork watershed area would remain closed for another year due to severe burns that can cause flooding and possible debris flow.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

In school, at recreation time, and during volunteer hours, he had noticed the Elders watching him and the other Elevens.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

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