hobby

1 of 3

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 3

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

hobbyist

3 of 3

noun (3)

hob·​by·​ist ˈhäbēə̇st 

-biə̇-

plural -s

1

archaic : one that is preoccupied with a pet idea or cranky obsession

2

: one that has one or more hobbies

especially : one that is particularly fond of cultivating hobbies

Synonyms of hobby

Noun (2)

• pursuit
• sport
• avocation
• recreation
• amusement

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

This has changed our perspective on leisure, and some could begin to view hobbies as a way to improve productivity. — Deeya Sonalkar, TheWeek, 8 Oct. 2026

That’s all before setting aside the time to manage a fantasy football roster, oversee a gambling hobby, or make sure you’re fully briefed for the next all-hands—sorry, hangout—at the bar. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The individual might also start to abandon their hobbies and forego career opportunities, Brown said. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

What began as a hobby to help explain complex redistricting cases more effectively has grown into a serious media operation. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Noun (3)

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

Rhymes for hobby

• bobbie
• bobby
• knobby
• lobby
• nabi
• nobby
• panjabi
• punjabi
• wahhabi

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