hobby

1
[ hob-ee ]
/ ˈhɒb i /

noun, plural hob·bies.

an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation: Her hobbies include stamp-collecting and woodcarving.
a child's hobbyhorse.
Archaic. a small horse.

Idioms for hobby

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

Origin of hobby

1
1325–75; Middle English hoby(n), probably for Robin, or Robert (cf. hob2), used as horse's name, as in dobbin

OTHER WORDS FROM hobby

hob·by·ist, noun hob·by·less, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hobbyist

  • So why is one considered fine art and the other the harmless pastime of a hobbyist?

    Art on the Tracks |Malcolm Jones |February 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
  • Dan's index finger failed to reach the trigger, for a guardian machine gun removed the hobbyist's head in a short efficient burst.

    Thy Rocks and Rills |Robert Ernest Gilbert
  • Glaring down at the hobbyist, Stonecypher gripped the staff and rotated thick wrists outward.

    Thy Rocks and Rills |Robert Ernest Gilbert
  • The moment you become a tradesman you cease to be a hobbyist.

British Dictionary definitions for hobbyist (1 of 2)

hobby 1
/ (ˈhɒbɪ) /

noun plural -bies

an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure or relaxation
archaic, or dialect a small horse or pony
an early form of bicycle, without pedals

Derived forms of hobby

hobbyist, noun

Word Origin for hobby

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

British Dictionary definitions for hobbyist (2 of 2)

hobby 2
/ (ˈhɒbɪ) /

noun plural -bies

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

Word Origin for hobby

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