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

Noun (2)

• avocation
• hobbyhorse
• pursuit
• recreation

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

This could be a career, a hobby, an area of study, or even another person. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024

The best gift is one that aligns with your 14-year-old's personality and hobbies. —Patrice J. Williams, Parents, 12 July 2024

Browsing through Amazon daily has transitioned from a personal hobby to a profession for me. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2024

Ironically, my love for food was passed down from my mother, who told me that cooking was a hobby, not a job. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 July 2024

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

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