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

Previous studies have shown that exercise in leisure time is more beneficial for the cardiovascular system than physical activity at work, which can even be detrimental to health.

From Science Daily

He also points out that most people see walking as an activity performed for leisure or exercise.

From BBC

Study participants evaluated how much cannabis they would consume at increasing prices in the context of activities scheduled for the next day that spanned work, leisure and caregiving.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation