hobby
1 of 2noun (1)
hob·by ˈhä-bē 
plural hobbies
: a small Old World falcon (Falco subbuteo) that is dark blue above and white below with dark streaking on the breast
hobby
2 of 2noun (2)
plural hobbies
: a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
Writing is just a hobby of his.
Her hobbies include gardening and bird-watching.
hobbyist
ˈhä-bē-ist
noun 
Synonyms
Noun (2)
- avocation
- hobbyhorse
- pursuit
- recreation
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English hoby, from Anglo-French hobel, hobé
Noun (2)
short for hobbyhorse
First Known Use
Noun (1)
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
1816, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
hobby
noun
hob·by ˈhä-bē
plural hobbies
: an interest or activity engaged in for pleasure
hobbyists
noun
as in amateurs
a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession a book on crafting fine wood furniture that is intended for the home hobbyist Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- amateurs
- tinkerers
- enthusiasts
- dabblers
- laymen
- nonprofessionals
- nonexperts
- potterers
- dilettantes
- fans
- dilettanti
- putterers
- aficionados
- generalists
- devotees
- afficionados
- buffs
- jacks-of-all-trades
- all-rounders
- general practitioners
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- professionals
- experts
- specialists
- authorities
- pros