pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm 

: 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

Go Snow Tubing Snow tubing is a popular winter pastime in virtually every Midwest state—and why not? —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026

Sledding For families who enjoy making the most of the chillier weather, including snow, there are few better budget-friendly pastimes than sledding. —Mia Taylor, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026

Cultural historians will struggle to pinpoint the exact moment true crime became one of the great American pastimes. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026

Bring a journal Journaling has become a popular pastime of late, and keeping a travel journal is a great way to combine the mental health benefits of getting out your thoughts and feelings with the memories and emotions of traveling solo. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pastime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime

Kids Definition

pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm 

: something that helps to make time pass agreeably