calling

noun

call·ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ

How to pronounce calling (audio)

\

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

President Donald Trump has managed to enrage most of America's closest allies by hitting them with name-calling, Twitter outbursts and steep tariffs on their steel and aluminum. — Anchorage Daily News, "Analysis: There are ‘nuggets of truth’ to what Trump says about trade," 10 June 2018 Sarkisian’s first year as offensive coordinator was marred with predictable and questionable play-calling. — Andrew Joseph, For The Win, "Falcons fans melt down over report that Steve Sarkisian will return for 2018," 16 Jan. 2018 Also, the sheer use of the device indicates to Facebook you’re interested in video calling, so you may be targeted for that. — Joanna Stern, WSJ, "Facebook Portal Non-Review: Why I Didn’t Put Facebook’s Camera in My Home," 8 Nov. 2018 But the main feature Facebook is touting is a video-calling service, which automatically zooms, pans and focuses as people move around the room. — Recode Staff, Recode, "Recode Daily: Why Google is shutting down Google+, Facebook’s tone-deaf camera device," 9 Oct. 2018 For some, psychological play such as name-calling may be edge play. — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, "17 Sex Terms You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask About, Defined," 20 Sep. 2018 In Las Vegas, Trump engaged in name-calling, much to the delight of the crowd. — David Montero, latimes.com, "Contrasting views as Trump visits Nevada: 'Best president we've ever had' to fears that 'it could get worse'," 24 June 2018 Courage sets apart those who believe in higher calling and those who act on it. — Betsy Klein, CNN, "Melania Trump honors International Women of Courage at State Dept.," 23 Mar. 2018 Our kids, Trent, and myself have dealt with scrutiny, name calling, and discrimination our whole lives. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Are Amber and Trent From '7 Little Johnstons' Getting Divorced? The Truth Behind Those Rumors," 2 Apr. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near calling

Statistics for calling

Last Updated

12 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for calling

The first known use of calling was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for calling

calling

noun

English Language Learners Definition of calling

: 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

See the full definition for calling in the English Language Learners Dictionary

calling

noun

call·ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ

\

Kids Definition of calling

: a profession especially that a person feels strongly about Teaching was his true calling.

calling

noun

call·ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ

\

Medical Definition of calling

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

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