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.
Baseball is often referred to as America’s pastime, but recent data suggests that football has taken the lead in popularity. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 One of the great theatrical speeches written in the last 25 years, this vertiginous paean to America’s pastime was no doubt a factor in O’Hare’s win. Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Against the backdrop of Fourth of July, the two worst current incarnations of America’s pastime played a weekend series on America’s birthday. Sam Blum, New York Times, 7 July 2025 That affinity extended to some of the less-Portuguese pastimes. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 6 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pastime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastime. Accessed 14 Jul. 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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