hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē 

plural hobbies

: 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

ˈhä-bē-ist 

noun

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• avocation
• hobbyhorse
• pursuit
• recreation

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

Noun

Purchases at antique shops, garden supply stores, florists, game and hobby stores, barber shops, massage parlors and more all earn 4% cash rewards. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

If your resolutions include pursuing your hobbies or learning new skills, this can be a way to try something new without having to pay for a class. —Beth Cronk, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

That might sound cold, but this is how collectors maintain their hobby. —Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025

Plus, the hobby is highly accessible and something people of all ages can enjoy. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025

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

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