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

In 1976 a group of UCLA students, aspiring actors and other friends formed Doc Feeney’s All Stars, a hobby softball team that over five decades has evolved into a surrogate family. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

During that time, creativity became more than a hobby. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

When Munish and Susan Babbar became empty nesters, instead of taking up a hobby or creating a new guest room, the couple decided to have another baby. — Jobina Fortson-Evans, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Resume updates, hobby research, journaling or creative project planning. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 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