Definition of pastime

The word "pastime" has its roots in Old English. The word "past" comes from the Middle English word "paster," which means "to pass" or "to spend time." The suffix "-time" comes from Old English "-tīma," which means "a period of time." So, the word "pastime" literally means "to spend time" or "to pass one's time." In the 14th century, the word "pastime" began to be used to describe leisure activities, such as sports, games, or hobbies. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include any enjoyable or recreational pursuit. Today, people might describe activities like reading, hiking, or playing music as their "pastime." Throughout its history, the word "pastime" has maintained its connotation of relaxation and enjoyment, providing a way to describe how we choose to spend our free time.