hobby
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɒbi/
US
- /ˈhɑbi/
Description
- pastime
- interest
- activity for pleasure
A hobby is something you enjoy doing regularly in your free time. It is usually done for pleasure or relaxation, not mainly to earn money. For one person, it might be collecting stamps; for another, it could be baking, painting, fishing, or climbing. It is often a welcome break from daily work and duties. A hobby can be simple or unusual, as long as it keeps your interest and gives you enjoyment.
A hobby is an activity or pursuit undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, typically done during one's leisure time. Unlike work or obligations, hobbies are chosen freely and provide personal satisfaction. The word itself has interesting roots: it originally referred to a "hobby horse" (a small horse or pony), but over time it came to describe a favorite pastime that a person returns to again and again.
Hobbies come in countless forms. They can be creative, like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. They can be physical, such as hiking, gardening, or team sports. Some hobbies are intellectual, like reading, learning a new language, or solving puzzles. Others involve collecting things—stamps, coins, vintage toys, you name it!
A good hobby isn't just fun; it can also be good for your well-being. It can help you relax, express yourself, meet other people through clubs and groups, and build new skills. In a world that often demands constant productivity, a hobby is a reminder to make room for joy and personal growth.
Think of Sherlock Holmes and his violin: these personal interests are not frivolous. They can become meaningful parts of who we are, offering rest, inspiration, and a sense of purpose beyond the daily routine. So, whether it's birdwatching, coding, or competitive baking, finding a hobby is about discovering something that truly feels like your own.
Examples
- 1
Gardening
My favorite hobby is gardening.
- 2
Small talk
Do you have any hobbies outside work?
- 3
Retirement
She took up painting as a hobby after she retired.
- 4
Listing interests
His hobbies include hiking, chess, and cooking.
- 5
Collecting
Collecting watches can become an expensive hobby.
- 6
Career path
For her, coding started as a hobby and later became a full-time job.
Phrase
as a hobby
for enjoyment, not as a job
- 7
Restoration
His hobby of restoring old bikes taught him a lot about engines.
Pattern
hobby of doing something
an activity someone enjoys doing regularly
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hobbynoun
Forms
- hobbiespluralnoun