hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē How to pronounce hobby (audio)
plural hobbies
Synonyms of hobby
: a small Old World falcon (Falco subbuteo) that is dark blue above and white below with dark streaking on the breast

hobby

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural hobbies
: a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
Writing is just a hobby of his.
Her hobbies include gardening and bird-watching.
hobbyist noun

Examples of hobby in a Sentence

Noun (2) his ranch is just a weekend hobby—he makes his real money as an investment banker
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Dating, courtship, fun, hobbies, creativity, sports and games will all be on the top of your mind. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Two guest rooms — ideal for Kamal and Riva’s twin daughters — connect through a former sleeping porch with a fireplace and built-ins, creating flexible space for an office, hobby room or hangout area. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 Maybe over the summer Timothee Chalamet can find a new hobby. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026 The retailer is embracing the trend of digital minimalism and analog hobbies this year, releasing hundreds of beginner-friendly kits that anyone can craft with. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English hoby, from Anglo-French hobel, hobé

Noun (2)

short for hobbyhorse

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hobby was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobby. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

hobby

noun
hob·​by
ˈhäb-ē
plural hobbies
: an interest or activity to which a person devotes time for pleasure
hobbyist
-ē-əst
noun

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