occupational

adjective

oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce occupational (audio)
1
: of or relating to a job or occupation
occupational choices
occupational training/skills
occupational safety
Physiatrists commonly treat back and neck pain and other musculoskeletal problems, including sports injuries and occupational problems like repetitive stress injury.C. Claiborne Ray
2
: relating to or engaged in the military occupation of a country
served as part of an occupational force
occupational troops
occupationally adverb

Examples of occupational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025 One suit claimed that 28-year-old Rhode Island resident Lauren Skerritt, an occupational therapist with no prior medical issues, developed permanent cardiac injuries after drinking multiple Charged Lemonades in April 2023. Moná Thomas, People.com, 10 July 2025 The special-education teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, feeding therapists, and behavioral specialists who work with Izzy have been essential to her growth. Julie Kim, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025 Line cooks, chaplains, custodial staff and security guards made up a critical part of Drake's 474-person staff, in addition to the 100+ nurses who worked on weekdays and weekends and an army of 51 physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for occupational

Word History

Etymology

occupation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupational was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occupational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupational. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

occupational

adjective
oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al
ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shnəl,
-shən-ᵊl
: of or relating to one's occupation
a report on occupational health and safety
occupationally
adverb

Medical Definition

occupational

adjective
oc·​cu·​pa·​tion·​al ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce occupational (audio)
: relating to or being an occupational disease
occupational asthma
occupationally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on occupational

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