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 An upcoming amenity center, complete with a pool and play structure, is poised to add another layer of leisure and recreation. Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2024 Abernathy said the initial reports indicate the shootings happened on the second floor of the complex near some some sort of clubhouse or recreation area. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Stapleton is a longtime public servant who worked in the city's youth and recreation departments in the 1990s during the administration of former Mayor Dennis Archer. Detroit Free Press, 29 Feb. 2024 This piece, along with others in the show, underscores the museum's role not just as a custodian of culture but as a space for recreation, entertainment, and critical reflection. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Madison is one of the top metro areas to start a small business in arts, entertainment and recreation, according to a new study from the Credit Review. Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The decision was based on three categories: economics (like housing affordability), dating opportunities (like the share of single adults), and fun and recreation (like restaurants per capita and nightlife options). The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Fortnite users who opt into the Premium Reward Track for 1,800 V-Bucks will unlock the Glitch Groove Aura and the Enigmatic Gaga Outfit — a recreation of her Chromatica Ball tour purple bodysuit by Nange Magro of Dead Lotus Couture. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 Teachers can create immersive historical recreations, and manufacturers can use it to create prototypes and demonstrations. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recreation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near recreation

Cite this Entry

“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 and gardening are our favorite recreations
recreational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

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