pleasure

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   sexual gratification

   We took pleasure from each other.

2. 2
   noun

   an activity that affords enjoyment

   I put duty before pleasure.

3. 3
   noun

   a formal expression

   The wait staff serves at the pleasure of the President.

4. 4
   noun

   a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

   I was tingling with pleasure.

5. 5
   noun

   A state of being pleased or contented; gratification.

   He remembered with pleasure his home and family.

6. 6
   noun

   A person, thing or action that causes enjoyment.

   It was a pleasure to meet you.

7. 7
   noun

   One's preference.

   What is your pleasure: coffee or tea?

8. 8
   noun

   The will or desire of someone or some agency in power.

   to hold an office at pleasure: to hold it indefinitely until it is revoked

Etymology

From Early Modern English pleasur, plesur, alteration (with ending accommodated to -ure) of Middle English plaisir (“pleasure”), from Old French plesir, plaisir (“to please”), infinitive used as a noun, conjugated form of plaisir or plaire, from Latin placeō (“to please, to seem good”), from the Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂-k- (“wide and flat”). Related to Dutch plezier (“pleasure, fun”). More at please.