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

Perhaps her charms represent trips to Europe, tokens of luck, indications of hobbies, or nods to significant milestones. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025

Braunstein is a full-time mom, student and hobby farmer in Grand Rapids, Minn. —Erica Zurek, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025

Madison hopes to be part of a family that supports her interests and hobbies. —The Star, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025

Image Image Image In the United States, the re-enactment of historical battles — the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and World War II — has long been a niche hobby. —Meridith Kohut, New York Times, 28 May 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

Rhymes for hobby

• bobbie
• bobby
• knobby
• lobby
• nabi
• nobby
• panjabi
• punjabi
• wahhabi

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