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 of hobby

Noun (2)

• pursuit
• sport
• avocation
• recreation
• amusement

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

Finding sales that are actually worth shopping is my job—and my hobby. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

Christina Davis, co-founder of Davis Cookie Collection, started baking as hobby in 2013 while pursuing a master's degree in social work at the University of Cincinnati. —Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026

Many of the people she’s studied are drawn to demanding jobs and intensive hobbies. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026

The pink house on Main Street As a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, Kincaid is no stranger to creative hobbies and passions. —Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026

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