hobby

1 of 2

noun (1)

hob·​by ˈhä-bē How to pronounce hobby (audio)
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 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
Instead, invest your energy in things that give you a sense of agency: listening closely to a loved one, throwing yourself into a hobby, reading a novel. Jenny Taitz, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 This juvenile sadist makes a hobby out of humiliation, intimidation, inflicting pain both physical and emotional. Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Related Articles Crochet catches on as a new hobby for Bay Area teens Día San Jose’s bling and brightness honor loved ones and celebrate Latino culture Why millennial indie singer Mitski attracts teen audiences For all ages, the law bans the use of fake weapons, blood, and simulated gunfire. Iris Sanchez, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 Other data points might include magazine subscription lists or hobbies. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near hobby

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hobby. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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