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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 Kennison, a former Gourmandise cooking instructor who taught alongside De Lutz, has been making bean-to-bar chocolate as a hobby for 20 years, usually at her own home but never in the summer. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Rather than stick to real estate, the pair let their passions and hobbies lead them in new directions. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026 Another recent improvement is a fitness center with its own shower, but Cox noted the 913-square-foot space could easily be converted into a potential hobby room. — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 7 Sep. 2026 Canning Canning is a centuries-old skill that’s become more of a hobby in modern times. — Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hobby
  1. pursuit
  2. sport
  3. avocation
  4. recreation
  5. amusement
Noun
  • And the landscape itself provides inspiring backdrops for wellness activities and pursuits.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Newcastle signed 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco of France’s Ligue 1, while Howe’s abrupt departure after almost five years as head coach was another complicating factor in their pursuit of Bergvall.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • That seemed to be the overriding theme of the night, and the sport in general.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While the behavior was distracting, Osaka hopes that bringing tennis to a new audience overall will benefit the sport, as long as new fans learn the rules and etiquette of spectating.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Sep. 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
  • Her 7 year old and 5 year old are enrolled in a recreation league for football and cheerleading, but the $398 cost is putting a strain on the family's finances, Patterson said.
    — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Once officers connected the missing girl with the dog that had been found near the recreation center, a massive law enforcement search began.
    — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, a legendary figure in the game and not known to smile often, was among the staff drafted in to help dress Arrow for the occasion — much to Arrow’s own amusement.
    — Michael Bailey, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In stories centered on objects ranging from a button to a tin soldier, young authors recognize the it-narrative’s potential not only for amusement but for showcasing the power of the small and marginal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hobby

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