recreational

adjective

rec·​re·​a·​tion·​al ˌre-krē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce recreational (audio)
Synonyms of recreationalnext
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of recreation
a recreational area
recreational activities
2
: of or relating to recreational drugs or their use
a recreational drug user
Colorado's burgeoning marijuana industry had struggled under its own astonishing success since legal recreational sales began Jan. 1.—David Migoya
recreationally adverb

Examples of recreational in a Sentence

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.
The canals will act as stormwater infrastructure for the island while promoting recreational activity, according to that document. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026 As a result, people who finish work or school in the late afternoon would have more daylight for outdoor exercise and recreational activities. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Unlike many other Austin parks, Emma Long charges visitors to enter its main recreational area by vehicle. — Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026 Since the 1990s, federal managers have capped the annual catch, split it between commercial and recreational fishermen, and limited anglers to two fish per day. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recreational

Word History

Etymology

recreation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recreational was in 1656

Phrases Containing recreational

Rhymes for recreational

See All Rhymes for recreational

Browse Nearby Words

recreation
recreational
recreational drug
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Cite this Entry

“Recreational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreational. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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