Langimage
English

hobbyhorse

|hob/by/horse|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈhɑːbiˌhɔːrs/

🇬🇧

/ˈhɒbiˌhɔːs/

favorite topic or toy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'hobbyhorse' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'hobyn,' where 'hobyn' meant 'small horse or pony.'

Historical Evolution

'hobyn' transformed into the English word 'hobbyhorse,' referring to both a child's toy and a favorite topic.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a small horse or pony,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a child's toy' and 'a favorite topic.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a child's toy consisting of a stick with a model of a horse's head at one end.

The child rode around the garden on his hobbyhorse.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a topic about which someone is excessively passionate or obsessed.

Environmental issues have always been his hobbyhorse.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/14 08:51