hobby

¹

[hob-ee]

noun

plural

hobbies 

1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.

   Her hobbies include stamp-collecting and woodcarving.

2. a child's hobbyhorse.

3. Archaic.,  a small horse.

hobby

²

[hob-ee]

noun

plural

hobbies 

1. a small Old World falcon, Falco subbuteo, formerly flown at such small game as larks.

Hobby

³

[hob-ee]

noun

1. Oveta Culp 1905–1995, U.S. newspaper publisher and government official: first director of Women's Army Corps 1942–45; first Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare 1953–55.

hobby

¹

/ ˈhɒbɪ /

noun

1. an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure or relaxation

2. archaic,  a small horse or pony

3. short for hobbyhorse

4. an early form of bicycle, without pedals

hobby

²

/ ˈhɒbɪ /

noun

1. any of several small Old World falcons, esp the European Falco subbuteo, formerly used in falconry

Other Word Forms

• hobbyist noun
• hobbyless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobby¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English hoby(n), probably from Robin, or Robert ( hob ² ), used as horse's name, as in dobbin

Origin of hobby²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English hoby, from Middle French hobé, variant of Middle French, Old French hobel (compare French hobereau ), probably noun derivative of hobeler “to skirmish, harass,” perhaps from Middle Dutch hob(b)elen “to turn, roll”; compare Dutch hobbelen “to rock, jolt” ( hobble )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobby¹

C14 hobyn, probably variant of proper name Robin; compare _dobbin

Origin of hobby²

C15: from Old French hobet, from hobe falcon; probably related to Middle Dutch hobbelen to roll, turn

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ride a hobby, to concern oneself excessively with a favorite notion or activity. Also ride a hobbyhorse.

Example Sentences

For some, what starts as a hobby can evolve into a serious pursuit, with opportunities to join collegiate e-sports teams, play professionally, or even begin a career as a game developer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Another theatergoer sadly admitted that he longed to find a tactile hobby, something to keep his hands occupied.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

About two-thirds of young people said they were optimistic about the future, engaging in activities such as exercise and hobbies to protect their mental health and advocating for change.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Volodymyr Zhuravlyov is a deep-sea diver, his wife has confirmed, but she called it a hobby and said he had no military role.

Read more on BBC

While fighting remained a hobby for her sister, it became Tiah-Mai's career.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• amusement 
• art 
• avocation 
• craft 
• diversion 
• fad 
• fun 
• obsession 
• specialty 
• sport