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

Add a hobby-cation to your micro-cation and dip a candle at Candle Bar or build a terrarium at Rebel Villa. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Since the pandemic, there has been a resurgence of reading (hello, BookTok and academia decor) as more people turn to the hobby as a way to relax and unwind. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026

People are embracing hands-on, analog hobbies like fermenting and outdoor crafting to disconnect from digital life. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026

Building Hope says groups centered around hobbies, including biking, knitting or book clubs, can provide another entry point for people who may not be ready to ask for professional help. — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 24 Aug. 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