noun

recreation

rek-ree-AY-shuhn/ˌriːkriˈeɪʃn/

Activity done for enjoyment or refreshment.

She paints flowers outdoors for recreation.

An older woman enjoys a leisurely watercolor-painting session outdoors, smiling as she paints a small pot of flowers beside her folding chair.

Etymology

reLatinagain, anew

+creatLatinto create

+ionLatinaction or process

The combination of 'again' and 'create' yielded the idea of making someone fresh or vigorous again. Recreation shifted from recovery and refreshment to amusement that provides that renewal.

In context

Top Fives17:12

Multiple sports courts, equestrian facilities, they all cater to a lifestyle of leisure and recreation.

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More examples

The park offers recreation.
He made time for recreation.
They enjoyed quiet recreation.

Forms

recreation

recreational adjective — done for enjoyment

Similar words

leisure: Free time rather than the enjoyable activity itself.
amusement: Entertainment without necessarily refreshment.