pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : diversion
Her favorite pastime is gardening.
Baseball has been a national pastime for many years.

Examples of pastime in a Sentence

Baseball has been a national pastime for years.
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.
For those whose favorite pastime is documentary film, Hot Springs — running October 10-18 — boasts an outstanding starting lineup. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Celebrity spotting at the football has become a pastime in itself. Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 The soldiers’ pastimes of drinking, gambling, and brawling also offended many Bostonians, who retained the piety of their Pilgrim ancestors. Time, 9 Oct. 2025 Leavy’s suggestions for spicing up baseball reflect the essence of spitballing—a pastime within a pastime. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pastime

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pastime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastime. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pastime

noun
pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that helps to make time pass agreeably

More from Merriam-Webster on pastime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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