free time

IPA/ˌfriː ˈtaɪm/
IPA/ˌfriː ˈtaɪm/

free time — noun

1. the hours that are not taken up by your job, school, or other duties, so you can

1.nounA2
Definition

the hours that are not taken up by your job, school, or other duties, so you can choose to do whatever you enjoy.

Example

Felix spends most of his free time fixing old bicycles in the garage.

spend free time + -ing

In her free time, Valentina volunteers at the animal shelter near the river.

in your free time

Common collocations
  • spend free time
  • in your free time
  • plenty of free time
  • little free time
Synonyms
  • spare time

    very close synonym; slightly more about time left over after duties

  • leisure time

    a little more formal; stresses rest and enjoyment

  • downtime

    informal; time to relax and stop working

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

in your free time

spend free time + -ing

Usage Note

Almost always uncountable: say 'a lot of free time', not 'a free time'. Common verbs are 'have', 'spend', and 'find' free time.

Common Mistakes

I have a free time on Sundays.
I have free time on Sundays.
'free time' is uncountable, so drop the article 'a'.
I read books on my free time.
I read books in my free time.
the fixed phrase uses 'in', not 'on'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words point to hours away from work or duty, but they differ in tone and focus. 'Free time' is the everyday, neutral term — it simply names the hours you can fill as you like, whether you rest or stay busy. 'Spare time' overlaps almost completely, though it hints at time left over once the necessary things are done. 'Leisure' is more formal and stresses relaxation and pleasure, so it suits writing about hobbies, travel, or culture. 'Downtime' is informal and originally described machines that stopped running; for people it means a break to recover and recharge. For example, you might say 'I read in my free time', 'I fixed the gate in my spare time', and 'the resort is built for total leisure', but 'the team needs downtime after the busy season'.

free time ↗spare timeleisure ↗downtime ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

A transparent compound of the adjective 'free' and the noun 'time'. 'Free' comes from Old English 'frēo', meaning not enslaved or not bound, which later widened to mean 'not occupied' or 'available'. Joined with 'time', it names the time that is not claimed by work or duty — a fairly modern fixed phrase that grew common as the idea of regular leisure spread.