shore leave

noun

, Navy.

1. permission to spend time ashore, usually 48 hours or more, granted a member of a ship's company.
2. the time spent ashore during such leave.

shore leave

noun

1. permission to go ashore Compare liberty
2. time spent ashore during leave

Word History and Origins

Origin of shore leave¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

One didn’t feel any real connection between the lovers, but maybe that, too, was wanted, given that the callous American sailor treats marriage to a geisha during a shore leave in Nagasaki as a lark.

From Los Angeles Times

Beatrice proceeded on the arm of Lamont, who had shore leave for the occasion.

From Literature

An Israeli official said Ankara had submitted a preliminary request for the crew to disembark on shore leave.

From Reuters

And, of course, the service members take advantage of their shore leave to explore the city’s many diversions.

From New York Times

But once again she was bullied for her physical appearance, and during shore leave in Los Angeles she attempted suicide.

From New York Times