Origin: Latin suffix -al
Recreational has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
engaged in as a pastime
"an amateur painter"
"gained valuable experience in amateur theatricals"
"recreational golfers"
"reading matter that is both recreational and mentally stimulating"
"unpaid extras in the documentary"
For, or relating to, recreation.
"The town built a new park specifically for recreational activities like soccer and swimming."
In plain English: Recreational means something done just for fun and relaxation instead of work or school duties.
"We spent the afternoon enjoying various recreational activities at the park."
The word recreational comes from the noun recreation with the addition of the suffix -al to form an adjective. It entered English through French and Latin roots, describing activities done for enjoyment or refreshment rather than work.