leisure

[ lee-zher, lezh-er ]

noun

1. freedom from the demands of work or duty:

   She looked forward to retirement and a life of leisure.

2. time free from the demands of work or duty, when one can rest, enjoy hobbies or sports, etc.:

   Most evenings he had the leisure in which to follow his interests.

3. unhurried ease:

   a work written with leisure and grace.

adjective

1. free or unoccupied:

   leisure hours.

2. having leisure:

   the leisure class.

3. (of clothing) suitable to or adapted for wear during leisure; casual:

   a leisure jacket.

4. designed or intended for recreational use:

   leisure products like bowling balls and video games.

leisure

/ ˈliːʒər; ˈlɛʒə /

noun

1. 1. time or opportunity for ease, relaxation, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      leisure activities

2. ease or leisureliness
3. at leisure
   1. having free time for ease, relaxation, etc
   2. not occupied or engaged
   3. without hurrying
4. at one's leisure
   when one has free time

Other Words From

• leisur·a·ble adjective
• leisure·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leisure¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English leisir, from Old French, noun use of infinitive, ultimately from Latin licēre “to be allowed”

Word History and Origins

Origin of leisure¹

C14: from Old French leisir; ultimately from Latin licēre to be allowed

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at leisure,
   1. with free or unrestricted time.
   2. without haste; slowly.
   3. out of work; unemployed:

      Because of the failure of the magazine, many experienced editors are now at leisure.

2. at one's leisure, when one has free time; at one's convenience:

   Take this book and read it at your leisure.

More idioms and phrases containing leisure

see at leisure ; at one's leisure .

Example Sentences

A number of nearby residents were evacuated, with Abergavenny Leisure Centre opened up to accommodate those affected and some still unable to return to their homes.

From BBC

This year, it was a sports hall at a nearby leisure centre.

From BBC

Many of the flights were for leisure or events such as film festivals and football matches, according to the researchers.

From BBC

Rob Cook, director at Ice Leisure, said the phone would have to remain there for the next two months as digging it out could affect the structure of the ice.

From BBC

Its executive chairman Benny Higgins said the project promised an "outstandingly positive impact" on tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders.

From BBC

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation