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

---

Etymology

Origin of pastime

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

Example Sentences

By now, board games were a nostalgia lifeline, an intergenerational pastime that brought people together and reminded them of times before the war.

From The Wall Street Journal

We still live in San Francisco in the house we bought in 1989, shopping mostly at the same stores and engaging in many of the same pastimes.

From The Wall Street Journal

The self-proclaimed homebodies share that their ideal quality pastime is rewatching “Grey’s Anatomy” for the third time, sitting together in silence while enjoying cookie milkshakes, or spending a weekend away in nature.

From Los Angeles Times

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

He won’t grow up and, as normal people do, be happy not to be included in pastimes that bore him.

From Salon

Related Words

• amusement
• diversion
• fun
• hobby
• recreation