Free time vocabulary in English covers the words and phrases you need to talk about the activities you do when you’re not working or studying. This includes hobbies, sports, entertainment, and other ways people relax and enjoy themselves. Learning this vocabulary will help you describe your schedule, make plans with friends, and share what you like to do in your free time.
Activities
Free time activities are the things people do to relax, have fun, or enjoy themselves when they’re not working or studying. These can include hobbies, sports, going out, or just chilling at home.
Examples
| English Singular | English Plural | Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hobby | hobbies | An activity done for fun | My favorite hobby is painting. | I enjoy painting in my free time. |
| sport | sports | Physical activities for exercise or competition | Football is a popular sport worldwide. | Many people play football. |
| game | games | An activity with rules, often for fun | We played board games last night. | We had fun playing games. |
| movie | movies | A film to watch for entertainment | Let’s watch a movie tonight. | Suggesting to watch a film. |
| book | books | A written story or information | I’m reading a new book about history. | I’m learning from a history book. |
| music | (no plural) | Organized sound for listening | I love listening to music. | Music is relaxing for me. |
| dance | (no plural) | Moving to music | She goes to dance classes every week. | She learns to dance. |
| picnic | picnics | Eating outside in a park or nature | We had a picnic by the lake. | We ate outside near the water. |
| walk | walks | A short stroll on foot | I take walks in the evening. | I walk around after dinner. |
| painting | (no plural) | Creating art with paint | Painting helps me relax. | Making art calms me down. |
Entertainment
Entertainment vocabulary includes the different ways people enjoy themselves, such as watching, listening, or going out.
Examples
| English Singular | English Plural | Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| concert | concerts | A live music performance | We went to a concert last weekend. | We saw a live music show. |
| show | shows | A performance on stage or TV | There’s a great comedy show tonight. | A funny performance is on TV. |
| theater | theaters | A place to watch plays or movies | Let’s go to the theater this evening. | Suggesting to watch a play or film. |
| museum | museums | A place with historical or artistic exhibits | The museum is free on Sundays. | You can visit the museum at no cost. |
| game | games | A video or computer activity | I spent hours playing video games. | I played electronic games a lot. |
| party | parties | A social gathering for fun | We had a birthday party last night. | People celebrated together. |
| festival | festivals | A public event with music and food | The music festival was amazing. | Many people enjoyed live music. |
| book | books | A written story to read | I borrowed three books from the library. | I took books to read at home. |
| movie | movies | A film to watch | The movie was very exciting. | The film was full of action. |
| podcast | podcasts | Audio programs to listen to | I listen to podcasts during my commute. | I hear shows while traveling to work. |
Sports
Sports vocabulary covers different physical activities and games that people play for fun, exercise, or competition.
Examples
| English Singular | English Plural | Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| football | (no plural) | A team sport played with a round ball | Football is popular in many countries. | Many people play soccer. |
| basketball | (no plural) | A sport with a hoop and ball | We played basketball after school. | We had a game at the gym. |
| tennis | (no plural) | A racket sport played on a court | She takes tennis lessons twice a week. | She learns to play tennis. |
| swimming | (no plural) | Moving through water using the body | Swimming is great exercise. | It’s good for your health. |
| running | (no plural) | Moving quickly on foot | I go running every morning. | I jog before breakfast. |
| cycling | (no plural) | Riding a bicycle | Cycling through the park is fun. | Riding a bike in the park is enjoyable. |
| yoga | (no plural) | A practice of stretching and relaxation | Yoga helps me reduce stress. | It calms my mind and body. |
| golf | (no plural) | A sport of hitting a ball into holes | He plays golf on weekends. | He enjoys golfing out of town. |
| volleyball | (no plural) | A sport played with a ball over a net | We formed a volleyball team. | We play together on the beach. |
| badminton | (no plural) | A racket sport with a shuttlecock | Badminton is popular in Asia. | Many people play badminton indoors. |
Talking About Free Time
These phrases help you explain what you do, ask about others, and talk naturally about free time in English.
Examples
| English Singular | English Plural | Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| free time | (no plural) | Time when you’re not busy | What do you do in your free time? | Asking about someone’s hobbies. |
| relax | (verb) | To rest and feel calm | I like to relax on weekends. | Taking it easy after work. |
| hang out | (phrasal verb) | To spend time with friends | We hang out at the mall. | We spend time together shopping. |
| go out | (phrasal verb) | To leave home for fun | Let’s go out tonight. | Suggesting to do something social. |
| have fun | (expression) | To enjoy yourself | We had fun at the party. | The party was enjoyable. |
| take a break | (expression) | To rest for a short time | I take a break every hour. | I pause work for a moment. |
| spend time | (expression) | To use time doing something | I spend time reading before bed. | I read books at night. |
| get together | (phrasal verb) | To meet with others | We get together on Sundays. | We meet friends regularly. |
| go for a walk | (expression) | To walk outside | I go for a walk after dinner. | I stroll in the evening. |
| stay in | (expression) | To remain at home | I prefer to stay in on Fridays. | I like relaxing at home. |
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using free time vocabulary to show you how these words fit into everyday conversation.
Examples
| English Singular | English Plural | Meaning | Example | Example Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hobby | hobbies | Free time activity for fun | Painting is my favorite hobby. | I enjoy painting in my free time. |
| concert | concerts | Live music event | We went to a concert last night. | We saw a band perform live. |
| football | (no plural) | Team sport | He plays football every weekend. | He joins a soccer game on Saturdays. |
| relax | (verb) | To rest | I relax by listening to music. | Music helps me unwind. |
| hang out | (phrasal verb) | Spend time with friends | Let’s hang out at the park. | Let’s meet and spend time outside. |
| picnic | picnics | Eating outside | We had a picnic in the park. | We ate lunch outdoors. |
| yoga | (no plural) | Exercise and relaxation | Yoga makes me feel calm. | Stretching helps reduce stress. |
| movie | movies | Film to watch | I watched a movie last night. | I saw a film before bed. |
| go out | (phrasal verb) | Leave home for fun | We’re going out for dinner. | We’ll eat at a restaurant. |
| read | (verb) | Look at written text | I like to read before sleeping. | Reading helps me relax. |
These categories and examples cover the common vocabulary you need to talk about free time in English. Use them to describe your own routine, ask questions, and make plans with friends.
Flashcards (1 of 50)
- Meaning: An activity done for fun
- Example: My favorite hobby is painting.
- Example Meaning: I enjoy painting in my free time.
- English Singular: hobby
- English Plural: hobbies
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
