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 of calling

• cancellation
• repeal
• abandonment
• abolition

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

Giving the play-calling to Idzik gives Canales the opportunity to focus on the team as a whole, while also providing a stage for the offense to improve under the 34-year-old coordinator. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026

The incredible art schools have long been a calling card for LA, and the siphoning of artistic talent back into the faculty allowed the institutions to hold sway for decades. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026

Seen on opening night, the biggest revelation, however, was Cameron Wisener in the lead role of Tiffany, a village girl pining for a husband before she’s summoned to a darker calling that turns out to suit her just fine. —Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane also tipped the Broncos’ own hand earlier Tuesday that Sean Payton was giving up play-calling to Davis Webb. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing calling

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

Rhymes for calling

• balling
• bawling
• brawling
• colling
• crawling
• drawling
• falling
• galling
• hauling
• lolling
• spalling
• sprawling

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