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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Additionally, in the context of their personal lives, those prone to toxic productivity frequently experience interpersonal conflicts, as their partners, hobbies, and social connections are often neglected. Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025 Engage in Creative Hobbies Creative hobbies like crafting, drawing, knitting, writing, or playing an instrument can keep your brain engaged and foster problem-solving skills.39 These hands-on activities provide a healthy alternative to passive digital content consumption. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025 The Duchess of Sussex took on other hobbies like cake decorating, flower arranging and hiking in the teaser, and Netflix said the series will see her hop in hands-on. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Americans joined for all kinds of purposes, from pursuing hobbies like music, to advocating such extremely controversial and divisive causes as temperance, peace, and the abolition of slavery. Johann Neem / Made By History, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 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 Jan. 2025.

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
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