relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
ri-ˌlak-
especially British ˌre-lək-
Synonyms of relaxationnext
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : diversion
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

Synonyms of relaxation

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of relaxation in a Sentence

I like to play the guitar for relaxation. What I need is some rest 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.
During the pandemic, a relaxation of some rules governing online prescribing in the US gave companies an additional boost. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 Down the hall, check into the Spa at Casa Mani for the ultimate relaxation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 Today's Walmart Deals of the Day are all about kicking back with epic discounts on gear that give your relaxation routine a serious boost. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 In other words, relaxation and enjoyment can be an important part of a satisfying solo dining experience. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxation was in 1548

Phrases Containing relaxation

Rhymes for relaxation

See All Rhymes for relaxation

Browse Nearby Words

relaxate
relaxation
relaxation oscillation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​ation
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, 
ri-
1
: the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing activity or pastime
play the guitar as a relaxation
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

Medical Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​a·​tion
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-ˌlak-, especially British ˌrel-ək-
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
maximal abdominal relaxation was not evident until at least five minutes after the injection—Lancet
2
: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber
especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All