hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē How to pronounce hobby (audio)
plural hobbies
: a small Old World falcon (Falco subbuteo) that is dark blue above and white below with dark streaking on the breast

hobby

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural hobbies
: a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
Writing is just a hobby of his.
Her hobbies include gardening and bird-watching.
hobbyist noun

Examples of hobby in a Sentence

Noun (2) his ranch is just a weekend hobby—he makes his real money as an investment banker
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Other data points might include magazine subscription lists or hobbies. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 That’s why both Ly and Epstein emphasize the importance of having personal interests and hobbies outside of your relationship. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 Try to cut back on being busy, and instead shift your focus onto filling your days with meaningful hobbies, tasks, and connections that bring you joy and ease. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024 Purpose gives meaning to your work, your hobbies, and your interactions with others. Andrew Rosen, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hobby 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English hoby, from Anglo-French hobel, hobé

Noun (2)

short for hobbyhorse

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hobby was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hobby

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobby. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hobby

noun
hob·​by
ˈhäb-ē
plural hobbies
: an interest or activity to which a person devotes time for pleasure
hobbyist
-ē-əst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!