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

That night, for the first time in more than 70 years, two professional women’s teams played America’s pastime. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 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

The pastime is gaining attention on TikTok and growing in popularity nationwide, driving more folks to discover the appeal (and challenge) of locating and identifying wild mushrooms. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

And for Southerners, in particular, these types of trips provide chances to pass down beloved traditions and introduce the next generation to the places and pastimes that have long been part of your family’s story. — Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 4 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