spare time

[ spair tahym ]

noun

1. time that is free from the demands of work or other obligations; free time:

   To supplement his income from farming, Mike began making mechanical chicken pluckers in his spare time.

   In her spare time, my aunt does a lot of community volunteer work.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spare time¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

If the idea of a religious vigilante ambushing sex workers in his spare time sets off alarm bells, it probably should.

From The Daily Beast

Doyle said he worked for months, in his spare time, on the article at the center of the controversy.

From The Daily Beast

Resolve to do more weird picture puzzles in your spare time.

From The Daily Beast

And in their spare time, those cowpunchers, ranchers, and old rodeo riders will use their experiences as grist for cowboy poetry.

From The Daily Beast

He resided in Santa Barbara, Calif., with his golden retriever dogs and surfed in his spare time.

From The Daily Beast

Safety lies in pursuing my increasing practice, and devoting all my spare time to—well, to my real profession.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole of his spare time is spent with Mademoiselle Louise, the danseuse at the Empire.

From Project Gutenberg

We were there a week, part of my spare time being employed in helping a Confederate company officer make out a correct pay-roll.

From Project Gutenberg

The women and children in farm-houses and cottages spent their spare time in spinning.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern young housewife has a superabundance of spare time.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• convenience
• recreation
• relaxation