Hobby
/ˈhɒb.i/noun
An activity pursued regularly for pleasure during one’s free time.
Did you know?In the 16th century, a “hobbyhorse” could mean both a child’s toy horse and a horse-shaped figure used in festive folk dances, helping “hobby” develop its modern sense.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*Hrōþiberhtaz
“Fame-bright; a compound personal name”
Old Germanic
Old English
Hrōðbeorht
“A personal name meaning fame-bright”
Medieval period
English
Hobbe
“A familiar or diminutive form of Robert”
14th Century
Middle English
hobby
“A small horse or pony; likely from the pet name Hobbe”
16th Century
English
hobbyhorse
“A toy horse, imaginary horse, or horse-shaped figure used in pageants and dances”
18th Century
English
hobby
“A favorite subject or pursuit, shortened from hobbyhorse”
Modern English
English
hobby
“A leisure activity pursued for pleasure”