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

Though these visions may appear as an act of leisure, constantly having your head in the clouds isn’t necessarily a habit you need to break.

From Popular-Science

Sarah Poralla, who lives in Cologne, Germany, traveled to San Diego in October 2018 and September 2019 for work and leisure and said she has filed two refund claims.

From Voice of San Diego

Vacation and leisure-related travel is considered non-essential.

From Washington Blade

Not only will this benefit you by allowing you to cast your ballot at your leisure weeks before the election, but it will help your community, too.

From Popular-Science

Much of the indoor leisure scene, including restaurants, bars and theaters, are still prohibited from operating by Governor Cuomo.

From Digiday

In 2007 though, there were outbreaks reported to the CDC on 21 leisure voyages, including one on the QE-II.

From The Daily Beast

No such leisure was available to the musicians who worked on Lost on the River.

From The Daily Beast

Assuming that members of Congress who live in D.C. are adults, they, too, will be permitted to get stoned at their leisure.

From The Daily Beast

They dress in expensive leisure suits and hang out at fancy clubs.

From The Daily Beast

She is part of a growing number of women embracing polo as a leisure sport.

From The Daily Beast

The wisdom of a scribe cometh by his time of leisure: and he that is less in action, shall receive wisdom.

From Project Gutenberg

For others life is but a foolish leisure with mock activities and mimic avocations to mask its uselessness.

From Project Gutenberg

Arrived at the dépôt, I discharged my porter, sat down and waited for the place to open, with ample leisure for reflection.

From Project Gutenberg

I have not done this before as I had not sufficient leisure to examine them, or do so in the interval allowed by the season.

From Project Gutenberg

He was sheriff of Paris, 1770, and employed his leisure in objects of benevolence, till the revolution overwhelmed him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation