calling

noun call·ing \ ˈkȯ-liŋ \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of calling

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

See calling defined for English-language learners

See calling defined for kids

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 of calling from the Web

And today, of course, culminating in name-calling, a very awkward breakup letter.

— Fox News, "Analyzing Trump's history of tough talk on North Korea," 25 May 2018
Brady tries to ignore his calling, on doctor’s orders; one more head injury could kill him.

— michael phillips, Detroit Free Press, "Review: ‘The Rider’ is a Western like no other," 18 May 2018
Much of this — the name-calling, the gun stuff, the hard partisanship, apparent obsessions — suggests the need for intervention and a couple civics lessons.

— john baer, Philly.com, "What's that smell? It's Harrisburg's political air | John Baer," 23 Apr. 2018
In turn, the Patriots opened up their play-calling, and star quarterback Tom Brady was strip-sacked by Brandon Graham.

— terez a. paylor, kansascity, "Pederson’s Super Bowl win spotlights Reid’s coaching tree | The Kansas City Star," 5 Feb. 2018
MyLink is similar to systems such as Ford’s SYNC and Toyota’s Entune that allow for integration of the onboard audio system with smartphones for hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming and connection to popular Internet sites.

— g. chambers williams iii, star-telegram, "Chevy Traverse gets a makeover; still a great choice for a big family | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 27 Jan. 2018
Some of this will be not fun (cat-calling, discrimination, objectification, coming out to your conservative grandma) and some of it will be amazing (zero pregnancy scares!

— anna pulley, RedEye Chicago, "Ask Anna: Is it normal to be attracted to my partner's twin?," 16 Oct. 2017
That blog led to this column and a new calling for me: memoirist.

— jill gleeson, Woman's Day, "Taking Antidepressants Does Not Make You Less Than," 28 July 2017
Wynn has been dynamic in the circle all season, but make no mistake: the Falcons' work with the aluminum has been their calling card.

— curt hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "For Whitnall softball, big bats and big laughs are at the center of success," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'calling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of calling

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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calling Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

CALLING Defined for English Language Learners

calling

noun

Definition of calling for English Language Learners

: a strong desire to spend your life doing a certain kind of work (such as religious work)
: the work that a person does or should be doing

CALLING Defined for Kids

calling

noun call·ing \ ˈkȯ-liŋ \

Definition of calling for Students

: a profession especially that a person feels strongly about

Teaching was his true calling.

Medical Dictionary

calling

noun call·ing \ ˈkȯ-liŋ \

medical Definition of calling

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat; also : the period of heat

Learn More about calling

See words that rhyme with calling Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calling Spanish Central: Translation of calling Nglish: Translation of calling for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of calling for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calling

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calling

Definition of calling

Examples of calling in a Sentence

Recent Examples of calling from the Web

First Known Use of calling

calling Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Related Words

Synonym Discussion of calling

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CALLING Defined for English Language Learners

calling

Definition of calling for English Language Learners

CALLING Defined for Kids

calling

Definition of calling for Students

Medical Dictionary

calling

medical Definition of calling

Learn More about calling

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