Definition of HOBBY (original) (raw)
: a small Old World falcon (Falco subbuteo) that is dark blue above and white below with dark streaking on the breast
: 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.
Synonyms
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
Diana studied ballet as a hobby, and took hundreds of secret ballet lessons with dance teacher Anne Allan from 1981 to 1989. —
Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024 But you’re constantly pulled in different directions by competing priorities—from your career, family and friends to your home, health and hobbies. —Kristen Gale, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 The result is that reproduction, the fundamental biological process that is quite literally everyone’s reason for existing, is now an elite hobby reserved for those who check every possible fitness box. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024 The big picture: The benefits of growing your own herbs are far-reaching, from the simple joy of a new hobby to becoming a bit more self-sufficient. —Sami Sparber, Axios, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hobby 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hobby.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 21 Sep. 2024.
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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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