¹pleasure

noun plea·sure \ˈple-zhər, ˈplā-\

: a feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction : a pleasant or pleasing feeling

: activity that is done for enjoyment

: something or someone that causes a feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction

Full Definition of PLEASURE

: desire, inclination <wait upon his pleasure — Shakespeare>

: a state of gratification

a : sensual gratification

b : frivolous amusement

: a source of delight or joy

See pleasure defined for English-language learners

See pleasure defined for kids

Origin of PLEASURE

Middle English plesure, alteration of plesir, from Anglo-French plaisir, from plaisir to please

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLEASURE

Synonyms: content, contentedness, contentment, delectation, delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, happiness, relish, satisfaction

Antonyms: discontent, discontentedness, discontentment, displeasure, dissatisfaction, unhappiness

Rhymes with PLEASURE

leisure, measure, treasure

²pleasure

verb

plea·suredplea·sur·ing \ˈplezh-riŋ, ˈplāzh-; ˈple-zhə-, ˈplā-\

Definition of PLEASURE

transitive verb

: to give pleasure to : gratify

: to give sexual pleasure to

intransitive verb

: to take pleasure : delight

: to seek pleasure

First Known Use of PLEASURE

1537

Related to PLEASURE

Synonyms: agree (with), content, delight, feast, gas [slang], glad [archaic], gladden, gratify, please, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm

Antonyms: displease

Rhymes with PLEASURE

brazier, glazier, grazier, leisure, measure, treasure

PLEASURE Defined for Kids

pleasure

noun plea·sure \ˈple-zhər\

Definition of PLEASURE for Kids

: a feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction <I take great pleasure in reading.>

: recreation or enjoyment <Is the trip for business or pleasure?>

: something that pleases or delights <It's been a pleasure working with you.>

: a particular desire <What is your pleasure?>

Synonym Discussion of PLEASURE

pleasure, joy, and enjoyment mean the agreeable feeling that accompanies getting something good or much wanted. pleasure is used for a feeling of happiness or satisfaction that may not be shown openly. <He took pleasure in helping others.> joy is used for a radiant feeling that is very strong. <Hers is a life filled with joy.> enjoyment is used for a conscious reaction to something intended to make a person happy. <The songs added to our enjoyment of the movie.>