Something done to kill time or stave off boredom; a pastime or diversion (synonymous with '暇つぶし').
長い待ち時間の退屈しのぎに本を持ってきた。
I brought a book to kill time during the long wait.
雨の日は家で映画を見て退屈しのぎをすることが多い。
On rainy days I often watch movies at home to pass the time.
通勤の間にゲームをするのはいい退屈しのぎだ。
Playing games during the commute is a good way to kill time.
職場の雑談は時々、仕事の退屈しのぎになる。
Workplace chit-chat sometimes serves as a diversion from boring tasks.