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 Lifelogging has exploded from an obscure technoboffin hobby into a mainstream phenomenon in just a few short years, and this VibeLens Headset currently on Kickstarter appears to be one of the key tools required for widespread mass adoption. — Mike Hanlon july 08, New Atlas, 8 July 2026 Be first to introduce yourself to three strangers, find someone who knows XYZ cold, find someone with an unusual hobby and find someone who's already solved your biggest headache. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Cooper Flagg has been the hobby darling from the 2025 NBA Draft class, though Harper has now established himself as a key contributor in a crowded San Antonio Spurs lineup. — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 7 July 2026 My geekiest childhood hobby was stamp collecting, and Saarland once had its own postal service. — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 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
  • During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
    — Lucas Finton, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Furthermore, current jobs, even if not ideal, can fund these personal pursuits, fostering a positive outlook that ultimately aids career progression.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • Friends and family gathered on Monday to celebrate the life of former WJZ reporter and sports anchor Stan Saunders, who died on Friday, June 26.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Although in American sports, this level of candour from superstar players standing up for themselves is less unusual.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 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
  • Residents raised concerns about heavy truck traffic, and negative impacts on property values, outdoor recreation spaces, trees and wildlife.
    — Mars King, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026
  • But district officials plan to keep their promise to the state and residents to develop the property for recreation.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Yet El-Sayed speaks about the controversy with something approaching amusement.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026
  • Quassy tickets start at just $33 for all-day access to either the amusement or waterpark.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 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 17 Jul. 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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