recreation

noun

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

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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.
Themes highlighted in the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway could include agriculture, outdoor recreation, Indigenous stories, natural resources and music, according to the proposal. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024 Donaldson's content went viral several times after 2019, including the real-life recreation of Squid Game with a $456,000 prize for the winner in 2021. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 More:Michigan state park, recreation area campground closures in 2025 The day-use area and beach will remain open. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024 The lot of the property is substantial, measuring 9,900 square feet, and boasts a pool for relaxation and recreation. —Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Phrases Containing recreation

Dictionary Entries Near recreation

recreate

recreation

recreational

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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

Nglish: Translation of recreation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of recreation for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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