Hobby: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe an activity you engage in regularly for pleasure during your free time.

• Reading books is one of my favorite hobbies
• I have a hobby of collecting stamps

An activity you often do for enjoyment during your free time. Similar to 'hobby', but might be used to emphasize the aspect of time consumption.

• Watching movies is a common pastime for many people
• During the summer holidays, playing tennis is my favorite pastime

More general term for something that captures your attention or curiosity. It may not necessarily be an activity you frequently do.

• She has an interest in ancient history
• My interest in music started when I was a child

A formal term often used to describe activities people engage in during their free time for enjoyment. Suitable for written language or formal conversations.

• Gardening has become one of his main leisure pursuits since he retired
• Her leisure pursuits include painting and hiking

Used to describe a regular activity that someone enjoys doing during their free time.

• My hobby is painting landscapes on weekends.
• She spends her evenings working on her hobby of knitting.

Refers to a secondary occupation or activity someone does in addition to their primary job, often for enjoyment.

• His avocation as a jazz musician brings him a lot of joy.
• Though she is a lawyer, her avocation is writing children's books.

Implies an intense preoccupation or fixation on something, often with a negative connotation.

• His obsession with video games is affecting his social life.
• She has an obsession with cleanliness that borders on unhealthy.

Describes a strong excitement or interest in a particular subject or activity.

• His enthusiasm for gardening is evident in his beautiful backyard.
• She talks about her enthusiasm for hiking with great passion.