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

One of my primary hobbies is riding the subway all over New York City in search of the next life-changing bowl of noodles or slice of pizza. —Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 30 Jan. 2025

Before pursuing a new workflow, consider: Assess Your Strengths: Identify skills or hobbies that could generate income. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Favorite hobbies: Playing with my dogs, house plants, gym. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025

As consumers go offline, there will be a continued growth of social analog hobby spots — think ceramic studios or social wellness spots. —Emily Burns, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025

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