hobby
hob-by · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure rather than work.
- 2.
A subject or pursuit that someone is particularly interested in.
Forms
plural: hobbies
Phrases & expressions
- •hobby horse — a topic someone talks about excessively; also a toy horse
- •take up a hobby — to start a new leisure activity
- •hobby farm — a small farm kept for pleasure rather than profit
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English hoby, short for hoby horse (a small horse or pony, later a toy horse on a stick). The sense of "favorite pastime" emerged in the 17th century, from the idea of a hobby horse being something one rides for amusement.