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Synonyms

pastime

American  
[pas-tahym, pahs-] / ˈpæsˌtaɪm, ˈpɑs- /

noun

  1. something that serves to make time pass agreeably; a pleasant means of amusement, recreation, or sport.

    to play cards as a pastime.
    Synonyms:
    avocation, diversion, hobby, entertainment
pastime British  
/ ˈpɑːsˌtaɪm /

noun

  1. an activity or entertainment which makes time pass pleasantly

    golf is my favourite pastime
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pastime

1480–90; earlier pas ( s ) e tyme, translation of Middle French passe-temps

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But instead of serving as a celebration of America’s pastime, opening day has arrived this week with a warning: Don’t get too attached.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

With the rise of junk journaling content on social media, the once solo pastime has turned into a lively social scene.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Vast news deserts with no local coverage exist across the country, and independent reporting of any issue, concern, pastime, government action, youth activity or local PTA is nearly impossible to find.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

The competitive pastime has spawned a whole industry of content creators offering weekly tips for anyone looking to gain an edge as they sift through stats and manage transfers.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

We have a new pastime, namely, filling packages with powdered gravy.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.