hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē 

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

ˈhä-bē-ist 

noun

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• avocation
• hobbyhorse
• pursuit
• recreation

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

Noun

Instead, invest your energy in things that give you a sense of agency: listening closely to a loved one, throwing yourself into a hobby, reading a novel. —Jenny Taitz, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

This juvenile sadist makes a hobby out of humiliation, intimidation, inflicting pain both physical and emotional. —Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Related Articles Crochet catches on as a new hobby for Bay Area teens Día San Jose’s bling and brightness honor loved ones and celebrate Latino culture Why millennial indie singer Mitski attracts teen audiences For all ages, the law bans the use of fake weapons, blood, and simulated gunfire. —Iris Sanchez, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024

Other data points might include magazine subscription lists or hobbies. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024

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

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