passion project

American  

[pash-uhn proj-ekt] / ˈpæʃ ən ˌprɒdʒ ɛkt /

noun

1. a personally fulfilling activity or undertaking pursued in one’s leisure time for pleasure, personal growth, emotional satisfaction, creative expression, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of passion project

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

For Hunt, bringing the World Cup to KC was a passion project.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Instead of returning for the blockbuster’s sequel, Vince opts to pursue his passion project, the Pablo Escobar biopic “Medellin.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

The $400-million ballroom has become a passion project for Trump during his second term and he has addressed it often in public appearances, press conferences and meetings.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

He started it in 2019 as a "passion project" while a medical student, experimenting with Nashville-style chicken recipes in his cousin's kitchen, long before the giants came to the British market.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

“Yeah, it started out as a small passion project and just grew and grew.”

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold