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Main definitions of hobby in English

: hobby1hobby2

hobby1

noun

  • 1An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.

    ‘her hobbies are reading and gardening’
    • ‘Also, it left him more time for his hobby of stamp collecting, which he had started during his school years.’
    • ‘Take a course or find an activity or hobby that brings you pleasure and allows you to meet people.’
    • ‘He counts horseback riding among his hobbies and has been known to ride up to 30 km in a single morning.’
    • ‘She had many hobbies including gardening, knitting, reading and she always had time to chat to her neighbours.’
    • ‘Focus on something that gives you pleasure - a hobby, a good book, or your favorite music.’
    • ‘Spend time with your child and participate in his or her favorite activities or hobbies.’
    • ‘Whether gradual or complete, retirement is improved by hobbies, activities, clubs, social causes, and volunteering.’
    • ‘His hobbies include sporting activities, books, music and foreign languages.’
    • ‘Well, does she have a hobby or activity that she could spend more time on?’
    • ‘It asked questions about hobbies, activities and the sorts of people I preferred, as well as vocational interests.’
    • ‘He has many other hobbies including reading and swimming.’
    • ‘She reads a lot and one of her favourite hobbies is gardening.’
    • ‘Help them find activities and hobbies they enjoy doing and are good at.’
    • ‘Your mood will likely improve when you begin a hobby or recreational activity.’
    • ‘This might be an opportune time to explore or return to hobbies, leisure activities or career pursuits.’
    • ‘He became friendly with many people who had similar interests and whose love for ponies and horses was a shared hobby and way of life.’
    • ‘However, out of all her many hobbies and activities, Philippa's greatest love was gardening.’
    • ‘She gets a lot of time to indulge in her hobbies like gardening and reading, goes for walk and takes part in many other activities.’
    • ‘Even if you don't make money from it, making it part of your leisure time as a hobby will add joy and fun to what you already do.’
    • ‘To launch oneself on the hobby of birdwatching, it is necessary to have a good pair of binoculars.’
    pastime, leisure activity, leisure pursuit, leisure interest, amateur interest, sideline, diversion, avocation, divertissement, enthusiasm
    recreation, relaxation, entertainment, amusement
    thing
    View synonyms

  • 2archaic A small horse or pony.

Origin

Late Middle English hobyn, hoby, from nicknames for the given name Robin. Originally hobby (compare with dobbin), it later came to denote a toy horse or hobbyhorse, hence a pastime, something done for pleasure.

Pronunciation:

hobby

/ˈhäbē/

Main definitions of hobby in English

: hobby1hobby2

hobby2

noun

  • A migratory Old World falcon with long narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing.

    • ‘Finally, the honey buzzards, young griffon vultures and hobbies mark the end of the spring or prenuptial migration, around the end of June.’
    • ‘This is a hobby, a bird that is extremely fast and acute in flight reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.’
    • ‘The hobby is essentially an insect eater.’

Origin

Late Middle English: from Old French hobet, diminutive of hobe falcon.

Pronunciation:

hobby

/ˈhäbē/