hobby

noun

Definition of hobbynext
as in pursuit
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure his ranch is just a weekend hobby—he makes his real money as an investment banker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hobby My hobbies include invading star systems, dominating species, and watching the Lovejoy box set. — Richard Hall, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Many donation centers won’t accept niche hobby supplies; list them on Buy Nothing groups instead. — The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026 Rachael Messner read a book about homesteading that inspired her to start beekeeping as a hobby, which eventually turned into a business, according to the store’s website. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 So the 44th President is bringing two of his favorite hobbies together in a new podcast series. — Peter White, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hobby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hobby
  1. pursuit
  2. sport
  3. avocation
  4. recreation
  5. amusement
Noun
  • Social media video captured an unconventional pursuit in Los Angeles over the weekend, when a runaway pig led a wild chase through the streets of West Hollywood before it was finally captured.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His reinstatement as judge after Assad was toppled and fled the country for Russia in December 2024 is an illustration of the country’s pursuit of transitional justice.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • Elise Devlin asked that question of several sports figures, including Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The United States has seen a steep decline in gambling over the past decade, a surprising result given the proliferation of online sports betting.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • Unlike in fields where avocations have to replace callings, academic retirees go on to pen as many articles and books as decline permits.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
  • As Sottile sees it, the dog-show economy thrives on dog lovers’ sense of avocation.
    — Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of avocation
Noun
  • Her 2027 budget proposal would shutter a neighborhood library in Dayton’s Bluff, while cutting hours at recreation centers across the city.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The structure will support water treatment, utilities, recreation, commercial facilities, and other essential services within the development.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • In a television ad for Dunkin’, Kylie Jenner wore a blush-pink, satin, structured blazer with over-the-top shoulder pads, a designer choice that generated some amusement online from those previously unfamiliar with the brand’s name.
    — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The press noted with amusement the plight of the court reporter who threw his hands in the air in frustration after trying to transcribe scatting.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

hobbling
hobby
hobbyhorse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hobby. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hobby

Nglish: Translation of hobby for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hobby

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