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

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

Insulting this imbecile became the most rewarding pastime on earth. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

One of her favorite pastimes was visiting the Test Kitchen to sample whatever was brewing that day. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025

Attending lectures is a popular pastime onboard, with experts sharing their knowledge of wildlife including polar bears, walrus, and reindeer, as well as geology, history, and workshops on photography. —Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025

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