Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Recreation \Rec"re*a"tion\ (-?"sh?n), n. [F. r['e]cr['e]ation,
   L. recreatio.]
   The act of recreating, or the state of being recreated;
   refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil;
   amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.

Recreation \Re`*cre*a"tion\ (r?`kr?*?sh?n), n. [See
   {Re-create}.]
   A forming anew; a new creation or formation.

Source : WordNet®

recreation
     n 1: an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates; "scuba
          diving is provided as a diversion for tourists"; "for
          recreation he wrote poetry and solved crossword
          puzzles"; "drug abuse is often regarded as a form of
          recreation" [syn: {diversion}]
     2: activity that refreshes and recreates; activity that renews
        your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation; "time
        for rest and refreshment by the pool"; "days of joyous
        recreation with his friends" [syn: {refreshment}]