Many people search for “hobbie or hobby” because they are unsure which spelling is correct. This confusion often happens when writing resumes, school assignments, emails, or social media posts.
You might have seen both spellings online and wondered if they mean different things or if one is British and the other American.
The truth is simple, but the mistake is very common. English spelling rules can be tricky, especially when words change from singular to plural or when adding endings like -es or -ing.
Because hobby is such a common word used to talk about free-time activities like reading, gaming, or sports people want to be sure they are using it correctly.
This article clears up the confusion once and for all. You’ll get a quick answer, learn where the word comes from, see British vs American usage, and understand which spelling you should use in different situations. By the end, you’ll confidently know whether hobbie or hobby is right—and why.
Hobbie or Hobby – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is hobby.
Hobbie is incorrect in standard English.
Example:
- ✅ Reading is my favorite hobby.
- ❌ Reading is my favorite hobbie.
The plural form of hobby is hobbies, not hobbys.
The Origin of Hobbie or Hobby
The word hobby comes from the older term “hobby-horse,” which referred to a small horse or toy horse in the 16th century. Over time, the meaning changed. People began using hobby to describe a favorite pastime or activity done for pleasure.
The spelling hobby has stayed consistent for centuries. The confusion with hobbie likely comes from English spelling rules where some words ending in -y change to -ies in the plural form. For example:
- hobby → hobbies
Because people see hobbies, they sometimes think the singular form is hobbie, but that is incorrect.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English for this word.
| Language Variant | Correct Spelling | Incorrect Spelling |
| American English | hobby | hobbie |
| British English | hobby | hobbie |
| Australian/Canadian | hobby | hobbie |
Both British and American English use hobby.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US audience: Use hobby
- UK/Commonwealth audience: Use hobby
- Global or SEO content: Always use hobby
There is no situation where hobbie is correct in standard writing.
Common Mistakes with Hobbie or Hobby
Here are frequent errors people make:
- ❌ Writing hobbie instead of hobby
- ❌ Using hobbys as the plural
- ❌ Thinking hobbie is British English
Corrections:
- ✅ hobby (singular)
- ✅ hobbies (plural)
Hobbie or Hobby in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- ✅ My main hobby is photography.
News Articles:
- ✅ Gardening is a popular hobby among retirees.
Social Media:
- ✅ What’s your favorite hobby?
Formal Writing:
- ✅ She listed her hobby in the application.
Hobbie or Hobby – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “hobby” is widely used across all English-speaking countries. The misspelling “hobbie” appears mainly in searches from learners of English and non-native writers.
This shows people are unsure about spelling, not meaning. In professional and published content, hobby is the only accepted form.
Hobbie vs Hobby – Comparison Table
| Form | Correct? | Usage |
| hobby | ✅ Yes | Singular noun |
| hobbies | ✅ Yes | Plural form |
| hobbie | ❌ No | Spelling error |
| hobbys | ❌ No | Incorrect plural |
FAQs About Hobbie or Hobby
1. Is “hobbie” ever correct?
No, hobbie is always incorrect.
2. What is the plural of hobby?
The plural is hobbies.
3. Is hobby British or American English?
It is correct in both British and American English.
4. Why do people write hobbie?
They confuse it with the plural form hobbies.
5. Can hobby be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is acceptable in both formal and informal writing.
6. Is hobby a noun or verb?
It is mainly a noun.
7. Is hobby common in resumes?
Yes, but it’s often better to use “interests” professionally.
Read Also.Wavered vs Waivered: One Means Hesitation, the Other Is Legal
Conclusion
The confusion around hobbie or hobby is common, but the rule is simple. Hobby is the only correct spelling in English. The word has the same form in British, American, and global English, which makes it easy to remember once you know the rule.
Most mistakes happen because people see the plural form hobbies and assume the singular must be hobbie. That assumption is wrong. English often drops the -y and adds -ies only in plural forms, not singular ones.
Whether you are writing an email, a blog post, a resume, or social media content, always use hobby for one activity and hobbies for more than one. Avoid hobbie and hobbys, as both are spelling errors.
If your goal is clear communication and professional writing, sticking to hobby will keep your English accurate and confident.

Pam Peters is an Australian linguist known for her work on English spelling and usage differences.
She specializes in British and American English variations.


