Pronunciation

/ˈhɒbi/

Definitions

• Noun: A pursuit outside one’s regular occupation, engaged in especially for relaxation or pleasure. For example: “Her hobbies include painting and reading.”

  Phrasal use: “Take up a hobby” means to begin engaging in a new leisure activity. Example: “After retiring, he decided to take up photography as a hobby.”

  “Hobby horse” refers to a favorite topic that someone frequently discusses or dwells on excessively. Example: “Discussing politics is his hobby horse.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Collecting stamps is a popular hobby among many enthusiasts.”
• “Cooking has become quite a therapeutic hobby for her during lockdown.”

Phrases

• “A man of many hobbies” describes someone with diverse interests and pastimes.
• “To turn a hobby into a career” means to make your leisurely pursuit your main source of income.

Synonyms

• Pastime
• Leisure activity
• Pursuit
• Interest
• Avocation
• Entertainment
• Recreation
• Enjoyment

Derived forms & related terms

• Hobbist (noun): A person who has a hobby.
• Hobbyist (noun): A person who pursues a hobby with enthusiasm or expertise.
• Hobbistical (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a hobby or hobbyist.

Note: ‘Hobby’ does not have any common verb or adjectival usage, so no examples for those parts of speech are provided.