pastime

[pas-tahym, pahs-]

noun

1. something that serves to make time pass agreeably; a pleasant means of amusement, recreation, or sport.

   to play cards as a pastime.

   Synonyms: avocation, diversion, hobby, entertainment

pastime

/ ˈpɑːsˌtaɪm /

noun

1. an activity or entertainment which makes time pass pleasantly

   golf is my favourite pastime

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastime¹

1480–90; earlier pas ( s ) e tyme, translation of Middle French passe-temps

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastime¹

C15: from _pass + _time , on the model of French passe-temps

Example Sentences

New England’s preferred football pastime became bickering over who was more responsible for the glory days: the stern faced coach or the handsome QB.

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The championship of America’s national pastime is starting on Friday in a country that isn’t America.

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Baseball has been a national pastime in both nations for more than a century.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Here are nine technological advancements that helped turn investing from a private club of two dozen into something of a national pastime.

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Where drinking is both pastime and professional currency, the shutdown menus tap in to a deeper custom.

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Related Words

• amusement 
• diversion 
• fun 
• hobby 
• recreation