pastime

noun

pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
Synonyms of pastime
: something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : diversion
Her favorite pastime is gardening.
Baseball has been a national pastime for many years.

Examples of pastime in a Sentence

Baseball has been a national pastime for years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When tennis became a national pastime with its own fashion language, Women’s Wear Daily made sure its readers stayed current on the players, games and fans shaping the moment. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026 According to folklore, as with many of the United Kingdom’s more bizarre sports and pastimes, the idea to jump into the bog and snorkel was conceived after a few ales in a local pub. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Learn all about some of the most prominent unwritten rules and conventions of America’s national pastime. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 Many job seekers are now listing offbeat, distinctly human pastimes on their resumes like birdhouse building in order to stand out. — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pastime

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pastime was in the 15th century

Rhymes for pastime

See All Rhymes for pastime

Browse Nearby Words

pastille
pastime
pastina
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pastime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastime. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pastime

noun
pas·​time ˈpas-ˌtīm How to pronounce pastime (audio)
: something that helps to make time pass agreeably

More from Merriam-Webster on pastime

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