Definition

Noun: An activity that is done for enjoyment or relaxation during one's free time, outside of one's regular work or duties. It is an auxiliary or secondary pursuit, not one's primary occupation.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a hobby, pastime, or leisure pursuit. It emphasizes that the activity is done in time that is not occupied by obligatory tasks like work, school, or chores. * Gardening is her favorite spare-time activity. * He needed a new spare-time activity after he retired. * Reading and hiking are common spare-time activities.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in a formal or semi-formal context to discuss leisure habits, often in contrast to professional work.
  • The survey asked participants to list their primary spare-time activities.

Variants and Related Words

• Hobby (n): A more common synonym for a regular spare-time activity pursued for pleasure.
• Pastime (n): An activity done for enjoyment to pass the time.
• Leisure activity (n): A very close synonym, explicitly linking the activity to free time.
• Avocation (n): A formal term for a hobby or minor occupation.

Synonyms

• Hobby
• Pastime
• Leisure activity
• Recreation
• Diversion

Antonyms

• Occupation
• Profession
• Vocation
• Work
• Job

Noun

1. an auxiliary activity