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

Because thrifting has become a favorite pastime among shoppers, so Goodwill wanted to give the community more opportunities to celebrate rather than limiting it to a single day, according to Chief Marketing Officer Karen Lithgow. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

However, some longtime guests are wondering if their next visit will feel different after changes announced this summer, which many see as efforts to curb resort hopping, a cheap and popular pastime on non-park days. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Those of us who want the group to continue are torn between enjoying this pastime and being compassionate for this individual. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026

Because here, eating is not only the most beloved of pastimes, but a snapshot of the entire country’s culinary traditions. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 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