calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

1

: a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence

2

: the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages

3

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat

also : the period of heat

Synonyms

• abandonment
• abortion
• calling off
• cancellation
• cancelation
• dropping
• recall
• recision
• repeal
• rescission
• revocation

Choose the Right Synonym for calling

work, employment, occupation, calling, pursuit, métier, business mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living.

work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

Examples of calling in a Sentence

He had always felt a calling to help others.

He experienced a calling to enter the priesthood.

Recent Examples on the Web

So, of course, the Wilson Phillips singer’s two daughters with her husband, guitarist Rob Bonfiglio, have found their musical calling, too. —Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

There was a rich simpatico among the three owners then, but after several years, Carol experienced another calling to education and amicably departed the organization. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

But Brando obliterated the rules of how to behave in public, rejecting the offering of stardom, and in that rejection seeming to stand for a higher calling, noble and troubled and freshly attractive. —Ty Burr, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

The most significant difference between the teams is that KU excels at defense, while offense is the Bulldogs’ calling card. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2024

Darius Rucker: True Believers (2013) All respect to Hootie & the Blowfish, but Darius Rucker found his truest calling as a country artist. —Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 1 Apr. 2024

Coaching volleyball started to enter his calling in 1982. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

Yet, amidst all adversities, Rachel found her true calling and decided never to give up. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

The lawsuits state that many experts and impacted families say video calling is useful as a supplement for family and friends, especially when someone is incarcerated far from their community. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing calling

• name-calling
• miss one's calling
• calling card

Kids Definition

calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

: occupation sense 1, profession

Medical Definition

calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat

also : the period of heat