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 Many of the books are tailored toward activities and hobbies, such as gardening, wine cellars, recipes and sports. — David Moin, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Over the course of a couple of weeks, the hobby developer, alongside the AI tools, discovered more than 40 improvements that dramatically boosted frames per second when inside a town. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Maine didn’t have the typical music scenes of the Midwest or West Coast and his old-time hobby of busking felt moot with everyone cooped up inside their homes. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 19 Oct. 2026 For the past 50 years, a Sacramento-area hobby supply store has sold figurines, model kits, games, books and more. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hobby
  1. pursuit
  2. sport
  3. avocation
  4. recreation
  5. amusement
Noun
  • Not every worthwhile pursuit needs to become productive, profitable, or impressive.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Kikuchi makes Haru’s occasionally mortifying romantic pursuit both funny and affecting, embracing the character’s impulsive, sometimes ridiculous behavior without diminishing the depth of her loss.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • Smith’s plate has been full in her decades working in professional sports.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other sports like rugby, basketball, cycling and tennis also are popular.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 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
  • According to its governing body, the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), which was founded in 2000, Nordic walking is now practised in over 40 countries for health, fitness, recreation, social connection, and competitive sport.
    — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Each ring has roughly 800 diamonds and a recreation of the world's most famous arena.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards For an extra admission fee, the farm also offers amusement rides and carnival games.
    — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 17 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hobby

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