loisir

Loisir is the French term for leisure, referring to free time outside work or other obligations during which individuals may choose activities for enjoyment or recreation. It encompasses both passive pursuits such as watching films or reading, and active pursuits such as sports, hobbies, travel, or cultural activities. The plural form loisirs is commonly used to describe leisure activities collectively, as in activités de loisirs or temps de loisirs.

Origin and usage: The word originates in French and is cognate with related terms in other Romance languages; it denotes the possibility to choose how to spend free time.

In sociology and economics, leisure is studied as a dimension of time use, quality of life, and the leisure industry. Changes in working hours and paid vacations have shaped leisure practices; industrialization and modern economies broadened access to leisure through organized sports, media, tourism, and cultural services.

Leisure activities are often categorized as active or passive, solitary or social, cultural or recreational, and may be branded as loisirs créatifs, loisirs sportifs, or loisirs culturels in various contexts.

See also: recreation, hobby, pastime, free time.