pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : diversion
Her favorite pastime is gardening.
Baseball has been a national pastime for many years.

Examples of pastime in a Sentence

Baseball has been a national pastime for years.
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.
We are being offered entrance to a new pastime, pursuit or community. Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2025 The pastime of pinball has lived a fraught existence. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2025 Strolling the National Mall or along Washington’s grand boulevards is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike, including this one. Kaeli Conforti, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Many people hailed the millennial's choice of pastime, while others shared their own similar experiences. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pastime 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near pastime

Cite this Entry

“Pastime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastime. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pastime

noun
pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that helps to make time pass agreeably
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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