Leisure


freedom from the demands of work or duty:
She looked forward to retirement and a life of leisure.
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.
unhurried ease:
a work written with leisure and grace.
free or unoccupied:
leisure hours.
having leisure:
the leisure class.
(of clothing) suitable to or adapted for wear during leisure; casual:
a leisure jacket.
designed or intended for recreational use:
leisure products like bowling balls and video games.
at leisure,

with free or unrestricted time.
without haste; slowly.
out of work; unemployed:
Because of the failure of the magazine, many experienced editors are now at leisure.

at one’s leisure, when one has free time; at one’s convenience:
Take this book and read it at your leisure.
Contemporary Examples

It feels like a sufficiently meaningful and enjoyable activity that you might pursue it in your leisure time.
College Kids Should Major in Leisure Nick Romeo May 22, 2014

Demand for leisure services, on the other hand, should rise.
The Sleepless Economy Megan McArdle January 14, 2013

You get hours of leisure while the tots are sleeping, lowering the leisure cost–but you probably can’t leave the house.
The Sleepless Economy Megan McArdle January 14, 2013

If they stop sleeping, there will be enormous pressure for the leisure industry to go 24 hours.
The Sleepless Economy Megan McArdle January 14, 2013

I.e. I am doing the opposite of income smoothing: I am leisure smoothing.
Ask the Blogger: Save For Retirement, or Keep Working? Megan McArdle October 21, 2012

Historical Examples

The game has been located, and Sir Donald can investigate at leisure.
Oswald Langdon Carson Jay Lee

It is a happy man who has divined the leisure of eternity, so he feels it, like what you say, ‘in his bones.’
The Spenders Harry Leon Wilson

Besides, he felt so much more at leisure and at ease than on the former occasion.
An Engagement of Convenience Louis Zangwill

While Mr. Compton was reading the letter, I had leisure to look at him, and at his room.
Life in London Edwin Hodder

She had no leisure to look at, or speak to, Featherstonhaugh.
A Widow’s Tale and Other Stories Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant

noun

time or opportunity for ease, relaxation, etc
(as modifier): leisure activities

ease or leisureliness
at leisure

having free time for ease, relaxation, etc
not occupied or engaged
without hurrying

at one’s leisure, when one has free time
n.

early 14c., leisir, “opportunity to do something” (as in phrase at (one’s) leisure), also “time at one’s disposal,” from Old French leisir (Modern French loisir) “capacity; permission; leisure, spare time; free will; idleness, inactivity,” noun use of infinitive leisir “be permitted,” from Latin licere “be permitted” (see licence). The -u- appeared 16c., probably on analogy of words like pleasure. Phrase leisured class attested by 1836.
see:

at leisure
at one’s leisure

Read Also:

  • Mercy

    compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to […]

  • At-wits-end

    the last part or extremity, lengthwise, of anything that is longer than it is wide or broad: the end of a street; the end of a rope. a point, line, or limitation that indicates the full extent, degree, etc., of something; limit; bounds: kindness without end; to walk from end to end of a city. […]

  • End

    the last part or extremity, lengthwise, of anything that is longer than it is wide or broad: the end of a street; the end of a rope. a point, line, or limitation that indicates the full extent, degree, etc., of something; limit; bounds: kindness without end; to walk from end to end of a city. […]

  • At his leisure

    freedom from the demands of work or duty: She looked forward to retirement and a life of leisure. 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. unhurried ease: a work written with leisure […]

  • At his mercy

    compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to […]


Disclaimer: Leisure definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.