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

Skiing has a reputation for being a pricey hobby, from the expensive gear to the ever-rising lift tickets and luxe mountainside hotels. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

Princess Kate Middleton's hidden hobby — and the way the royal spends her free time — is bringing authenticity and resilience to her public image, royal experts told Fox News Digital. —Lauryn Overhultz , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Tail chasing is the favorite hobby that the six-month-old American Shorthair/Siamese mix indulges in throughout the day, says her owner, Colleen Metz. —Evan Moore november 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025

Trips to therapy, new hobbies and moments of grief are woven into her daily vlogs where Trigg and her younger son Teddy once were. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Nov. 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