hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē How to pronounce hobby (audio)
plural hobbies
Synonyms of hobbynext
: 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 noun

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
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.
Noun
If alcohol has been a way to unwind, replacing it with exercise, reading or a new hobby can make the transition smoother. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 What hobbies or activities pique your interest? R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 Analog January is having a moment as many people try to reduce their screen time and explore offline hobbies and interests instead. Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026 The other 10% are in the program to learn about making beer as a hobby and not looking for a job. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobby. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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