hobby
A2Informal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A regular activity done for enjoyment and relaxation during one's free time, not as a main job.
Can refer figuratively to a strong, sustained interest or pursuit that one enjoys, sometimes implying a degree of obsession or specialized knowledge. Also has an archaic meaning of a small, fast type of horse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies personal interest and voluntary engagement. Often associated with skill development, collection, or craft. The term 'hobbyhorse' retains the older sense of a favourite pastime or preoccupation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is almost identical. Spelling 'hobbyist' is the same. The plural 'hobbies' is standard.
Connotations
None. Concept is identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[someone] has a hobby of [gerund] (He has a hobby of collecting stamps).[someone]'s hobby is [noun/gerund] (My hobby is birdwatching).to take up [a hobby] (She took up gardening as a hobby).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ride a hobbyhorse (to talk excessively about a favourite topic)”
- “hobby lobby (an organisation for hobbyists, now a proper noun)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; may appear in HR or lifestyle contexts (e.g., 'We encourage work-life balance and personal hobbies').
Academic
Rare in formal writing; appears in sociological or psychological studies on leisure.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversation and personal descriptions.
Technical
Used in specific communities (e.g., 'hobby electronics', 'hobby farming').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not standard as a verb. Use 'to do as a hobby' or 'to pursue'.
American English
- Not standard as a verb. Use 'to have as a hobby'.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- He bought a new hobby knife for his model-making.
- She joined a local hobby group.
American English
- He visited the hobby shop for RC car parts.
- It's just a hobby project in my garage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My hobby is reading books.
- Do you have any hobbies?
- His hobby is playing football.
- I took up photography as a hobby last year.
- Cycling is an expensive but rewarding hobby.
- We share a common hobby in cooking.
- Her lifelong hobby of philately has given her a unique historical perspective.
- Finding a hobby that relieves stress is crucial for mental well-being.
- What started as a casual hobby soon evolved into a small business.
- The sociologist examined how digital hobbies are reshaping community formation.
- His esoteric hobby of restoring antique clocks borders on an obsession.
- She adeptly balances a demanding career with several intellectually stimulating hobbies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOBBy as something you do on the HOB (British for stove) of your main life—it's a side activity you cook up for fun.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOBBY IS A CONTAINER FOR LEISURE (e.g., 'filled her time with hobbies'), A HOBBY IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'pursue a hobby', 'take up a hobby').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'хобби' (loanword, same meaning). No specific trap, but the English word is used more broadly than Russian 'увлечение' which can be less formal. Avoid directly translating constructions like 'мое хобби есть...' to 'My hobby is...' – simple 'My hobby is...' is correct.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a verb (incorrect: 'I hobby gardening').
- Confusing with 'habit' (a hobby is chosen, a habit can be automatic).
- Misspelling as 'hoby'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as a 'hobby'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a neutral, everyday word. In very formal writing, 'pastime', 'pursuit', or 'avocation' might be preferred.
A 'hobby' typically involves active, regular engagement in an activity. An 'interest' can be more passive—something you like learning about or following but may not actively do.
Yes, this is common. When it does, it is often no longer referred to as a 'hobby' but as a 'career', 'business', or 'profession'. The phrase 'turned his hobby into a job' captures this transition.
A 'hobbyist' is a person who engages in a particular hobby, especially with a significant degree of seriousness or skill, but not as a professional.