calling

noun

call·ing | \ˈkȯ-liŋ

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about calling

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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

The most important thing to do while cold calling, and sales as a whole, for that matter, is to differentiate yourself. — Steve Jagler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jagler: The Cold Call Coach helps salespeople maximize their first impression with prospective customers," 13 July 2018 Win or lose, for many of the women running in 2018, the unexpected electoral engagement has become a calling. — Rebecca Traister, The Cut, "The Other Women’s March on Washington," 19 Jan. 2018 For volunteer divers like Jaikaew, being among the Navy and the rescuers was simply a calling. — Shibani Mahtani, BostonGlobe.com, "A congenital hand difference isn’t enough to hold this young athlete back," 4 July 2018 Pretension, flash and lack of substance seem to be the calling card for so much of what passes for musical talent nowadays. — Dave Gil De Rubio, Detroit Free Press, "Ray LaMontagne lights the way with authentic sounds, musical camaraderie," 28 June 2018 That said, some teams view him as a back-of-rotation guy and not a potential starter, and his lack of scoring feel and a true calling-card skill may lead him to may slip into the 30s. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "2018 NBA Mock Draft 11.0: Trade Rumors and Final Picks for Both Rounds," 21 June 2018 In detailing the loss of her competitive drive, Davis converges with Jurek, for whom extreme endurance is more a calling than a choice: Trail feats could no longer define her when something else did. — Paul Bisceglio, The Atlantic, "The Wisdom of Running a 2,189-Mile Marathon," 13 May 2018 This is the highest calling Kumar can think of for the app: making real-life connections. — Scott Greenstone, chicagotribune.com, "Homeless? This startup has an app for that," 9 May 2018 The calling hours will begin at 10:30 at the Kensington Congregational Church. — courant.com, "Mary Jane Fletcher," 13 July 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.