calling

1 of 2

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

calling

2 of 2

present participle of call entry 1

Synonyms of calling

Noun

• 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

Noun

He had always felt a calling to help others.

He experienced a calling to enter the priesthood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Riley’s clock management and use of timeouts, along with his play-calling, unquestionably got the best of Penn State’s Campbell and helped seal the USC win. — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Once the Mizzou running game got consistent positive yards in the second half, the Tigers’ play-calling shifted to feature that aspect of their offense. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

So much of play-calling, Rees said, is about getting into a rhythm with the quarterback, and Penix’s play has allowed Rees to find his own footing. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Payton will certainly want to prove his decision to take over play-calling from offensive coordinator Davis Webb was a prudent one. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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