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

Kayne is many things, though queen of cashmere, beige’s biggest advocate, lifestyle guru, and Cali-cool designer are her main calling cards. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 June 2026

Together, these individuals reflect the diversity that underpins this country—and remains one of its greatest calling cards. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

An Oxford graduate who studied French and German and once worked at JP Morgan, Downpatrick found his true calling in fashion. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 June 2026

After being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994, King played several more years in the NBA and abroad, then pivoted to a brief stint as a coach before finally landing on his next calling as a broadcaster in Chicago. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 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