# hobbies

/ˈhɑbiz/ (US) · /hˈɒbɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hobbies
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. leisure activities

noun · CEFR A1

activities that you enjoy doing in your free time.

For teachers: plural form of hobby; activities pursued for pleasure or relaxation during leisure time rather than as a profession.

- Her hobbies include gardening, painting, and playing the guitar on weekends.
- While some people prefer solitary hobbies like reading, others find that group activities like team sports provide a necessary social outlet after work.

Usage: Always takes a plural verb.

## Examples

- My hobbies include reading and swimming.
- When applying for the job, she mentioned her hobbies to show she had a balanced life outside of the office.
- While professional commitments often dominate one's schedule, maintaining diverse hobbies can provide the necessary mental stimulation to prevent burnout and foster creative thinking in other areas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.