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)

• 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

Just as his dubious surname evokes doubts about his real identity, Joe’s outward-facing persona doesn’t exactly line up with his dangerous hobby. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 June 2025

Set aside time for your hobbies and passions, as Venus enters Cancer on July 30. —Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025

The royal family is known to tap a handful of photographers to capture special occasions like birthdays, though Princess Kate, a hobby photographer, often hops behind the camera! —Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 2025

For Grace Caroline, 29, thrifting has long been an exhilarating hobby, and she's found countless second-hand treasures in the past. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025

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