rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryavocationLeisure pursuit
noun

avocation

av-uh-KAY-shun/ˌævəˈkeɪʃn/

A hobby or pursuit outside one's main occupation.

Building miniature ships is the nurse's avocation when she is off duty.

An older nurse relaxes at home by building a miniature sailing ship, with her work equipment set aside and her absorbed smile emphasizing the pleasure of the hobby.
Etymology
aLatinaway
+vocLatinto call
+ationLatinaction or process

An avocation was literally a calling away, then something that diverted a person from a regular occupation. A leisure pursuit preserves that idea of an absorbing activity outside one's regular work.

In context

Suzanne Vito0:55
it's it's an avocation it's a hobby I've been doing it that way for a long time
Request For Interview ​ ​

More examples

  • He pursued woodworking as an avocation for many years.
  • Her avocations include gardening and birdwatching.
  • The weekend avocation eventually became a successful business.

Forms

avocation · avocations

Similar words

hobby
Is the ordinary term for a leisure pursuit.
sideline
May suggest a secondary income-producing activity rather than pure recreation.