recreation

noun

rec·​re·​a·​tion ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce recreation (audio)
: refreshment of strength and spirits after work
also : a means of refreshment or diversion : hobby

Examples of recreation in a Sentence

The fields next to the school are used for recreation. decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
April’s report showed that job openings increased across most sectors, with some of the largest upswings seen in arts, entertainment and recreation; mining and logging; information; and professional and business services. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 June 2025 Amid unsettling changes, Americans touted the curative powers of the natural world, fueling the call for outdoor exercise and recreation, and laying the groundwork for the astounding growth of national and state park tourism. Time, 3 June 2025 What really makes the place stand out, though, are the countless leisure and recreation options both inside and outside. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 June 2025 Studies indicate that outdoor recreation and multi-day wilderness trips can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Erica Zurek, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recreation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recreacioun "act of refreshment, action of amusing," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin recreātiōn-, recreātiō "spiritual refreshment, amusement, new birth," going back to Latin, "act of restoring," from recreāre "to make new, restore, revive" (from re- re- + creāre "to bring into being, beget, give birth to") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at create entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recreation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreation. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

recreation

noun
rec·​re·​ation
ˌrek-rē-ˈā-shən
1
: refreshment of mind or body after work or worry : diversion
2
: a way of refreshing mind or body
hiking is our favorite recreation
recreational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

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