hobby
hobby Lexical Profile
hobby Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A regular activity done for pleasure, relaxation, or personal fulfillment during one's leisure time, rather than as a primary occupation.
"Gardening has become her favorite weekend hobby, allowing her to unwind after a stressful week at the office."
A small, swift falcon of the Old World (Falco subbuteo) that typically hunts insects and small birds in flight.
"The birdwatcher was thrilled to spot a hobby darting across the heath in pursuit of a dragonfly."
A small horse or pony, particularly an ambling or pacing horse popular in the Middle Ages.
"The medieval knight rode a sturdy Irish hobby during times of peace, reserving his warhorse for battle."
• Rhymes for hobby
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'hobi', originally a diminutive of 'Hob' (a nickname for Robert or Robin). It first referred to a small horse or pony (as in 'hobbyhorse'). By the 17th century, the term evolved to mean a favorite leisure pursuit, drawing a metaphor between obsessively pursuing a pastime and riding a wooden toy horse.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.