recreational
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to recreation.
recreational facilities in the park.
-
(of a drug or medication) used for recreation and enjoyment rather than to treat a medical condition.
recreational drugs such as marijuana and alcohol.
adjective
-
of, relating to, or used for recreation
recreational facilities
-
(of a drug) taken for pleasure rather than for medical reasons or because of an addiction
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of recreational
First recorded in 1650–60; recreation ( def. ) + -al 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Something is recreational if you do it just for fun. If you're not a professional golfer but love the game, it's recreational. Anything you do because you enjoy it — rather than because you are obligated to do it — is recreational. Hiking, reading, and visiting museums can all be described this way. Recreational means "something done for recreation," and recreation, which was originally "the curing of a sick person," combines the Latin re, "again" and creare, "to create." Today we think of recreational activities as curing our boredom.
Vocabulary lists containing recreational
Least Presidential Vocabulary Used by Presidential Candidates during the GOP Debate (Sept. 16, 2015)
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Courage to Soar
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Out of My Mind
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The recreational center is hosting fundraising 1K and 5K runs on Sunday followed by a party with free access to the pool.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Twenty-four states have legalized cannabis for recreational use.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Within the broader consumer discretionary sector, footwear stocks have been one of the weaker-performing groups, outperforming only recreational products, gaming, and tire-related names.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
The White House has hosted recreational sports and events in the past, but the UFC's show will mark the first professional live sporting event to take place on the grounds.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
My hands dig around in my closet until I find the insulated winter gear Cinna made for me for recreational use on the Victory Tour.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
