Definition

An activity or interest that someone enjoys doing in their free time, often pursued for pleasure rather than for financial gain.

Example

Gardening is her favorite hobbyhorse, and she spends every weekend tending to her plants.

Conversation

I was thinking about my old hobbyhorse project again.

Oh really? You still work on that?

Sometimes, but I find myself bringing it up a lot.

It's good to have a hobbyhorse; it keeps your passion alive!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hobbyhorse is formed from "hobby" (from Middle English *hobby*, meaning a small horse or pony) and "horse" (from Old English *hors*, meaning horse). The term originally referred to a child's toy resembling a horse, which one could ride or play with, hence the playful connotation of the word.

Memory Tip

Think of a small horse ('hobby') that children can play with, which helps you remember that a hobbyhorse is a toy horse.

Visually Confused Words