hobby

noun

Definition of hobbynext
as in pursuit
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure his ranch is just a weekend hobby—he makes his real money as an investment banker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hobby Journaling, creative writing, memoir, and even writing family stories can be meaningful hobbies at any age. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 Many young people are also making a concerted effort to cut screen time and pick up offline hobbies like hiking or painting. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Many young people are picking up offline hobbies like hiking and painting. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 On multiple occasions throughout the games’ TV coverage, the Team USA member was seen opening packs of Magic cards and spoke about her passion for the hobby during interviews. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hobby
  1. pursuit
  2. sport
  3. avocation
  4. recreation
  5. amusement
Noun
  • In the overall sweep of history, the single-minded pursuit of short-term profits was an aberration.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The vehicle instead led deputies on a short pursuit before stopping in the 2400 block of Wandering Ridge Drive, according to the sheriff’s department.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • On Monday, two of the sport’s biggest stakeholders came together to provide a little calendar clarity.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Paramount merger has potentially significant implications for college sports.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • Unlike in fields where avocations have to replace callings, academic retirees go on to pen as many articles and books as decline permits.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
  • As Sottile sees it, the dog-show economy thrives on dog lovers’ sense of avocation.
    — Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of avocation
Noun
  • The financial services organization considered income taxes, healthcare, recreation, and demographics in creating its list.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibit's visitors can get a chilling feel for the time, with full scale recreations of the annex rooms where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.
    — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Many travelers speed right by on their way to the flashy amusements of Kemah or Galveston’s sandy beaches.
    — Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
  • Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, a combined amusement and water park that makes an easy add-on to any early season game-day itinerary.
    — Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

hobbling
hobby
hobbyhorse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hobby. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Nglish: Translation of hobby for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hobby

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