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

Embroidery and quilting hobbies once stereotyped as old-fashioned are booming, especially among younger generations. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

Some 13- and 15-year-olds may be ready to use social media to responsibly connect with friends and family, people who share their hobbies and interests, and even use social media to find support and solace in like-minded communities. —Caden Rosenbaum, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026

Sheets turned a beekeeping hobby into Nature Nate’s Honey brand, carried by major retailers. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026

Another hobby Underwood enjoys is making her own bread. —Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 1 Mar. 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