pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
Synonyms of pastimenext
: something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : diversion
Her favorite pastime is gardening.
Baseball has been a national pastime for many years.

Examples of pastime in a Sentence

Baseball has been a national pastime for years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fishing is another popular pastime on Lake Jocassee. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026 Would Americans walk away from their national pastime? Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026 Decorating gingerbread houses is a classic winter pastime, and now, wildlife lovers are updating the trend for spring. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026 Additionally, in the case of a beach or lake weekend, a present like a puzzle also takes the pressure off of your hosts to come up with fun, alternative pastimes for everyone whenever the weather doesn’t cooperate, or at times when everybody needs a little break from the sun and heat. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pastime

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pastime was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pastime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastime. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pastime

noun
pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that helps to make time pass agreeably

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