vocation

noun

vo·ca·tion vō-ˈkā-shən

Synonyms of vocation next

: a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action

especially : a divine call to the religious life

: an entry into the priesthood or a religious order

: the work in which a person is employed : occupation

: the persons engaged in a particular occupation

: the special function of an individual or group

Did you know?

When vocation was first used in English in the 15th century it referred specifically to a summons from God to perform a particular task or function in life, especially a religious one. This meaning is no surprise given the word's source: it comes from Latin vocation-, vocacio, meaning "summons," which in turn comes from vocāre, meaning "to call." Vocation also has a secular position in the English language as a word for the strong desire to do a certain kind of work, or as a word for the work itself, making vocation a synonym of the words calling and occupation.

Example Sentences

This isn't just a job for me; it's a vocation. people who follow a religious vocation He never felt a real sense of vocation. I'm a carpenter by vocation, but my hobby is painting.

Recent Examples on the Web For some people, purpose is connected to a vocation or meaningful, satisfying work. —

Bernhard Schroeder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 Saturn’s shift into Pisces, your tenth house, draws your attention to your career, vocation, and reputation. —

Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2023 Kate DiCamillo—the author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Beatryce Prophecy, and many other novels—speaks with Harper’s Magazine editor Christopher Beha about discovering her vocation in children’s literature. —

Christopher Beha, Harper’s Magazine , 6 Dec. 2022 Born in 1947, Albritton got started on her unique vocation while studying in art school. —

Vulture, 21 Apr. 2022 For him, recommitting to his vocation means radically altering his approach to therapy. —

Time, 23 Jan. 2023 For some of the emergency responders, their mission was personal, not just their vocation. —

Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2023 Psychic Source is an online psychic reading site featuring psychic advisors with extensive experience in the vocation. —

Dallas News, 9 Nov. 2022 For more than four decades, Sister Patricia Daly pursued her chosen vocation: shareholder activist and scourge of corporate CEOs. —

James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 30 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vocation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vocacioun, from Anglo-French vocaciun, from Latin vocation-, vocatio summons, from vocare to call, from vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of vocation was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Vocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

vocation

noun

vo·ca·tion vō-ˈkā-shən

: a strong desire or leaning for a certain career or course of action

especially : a divine call to the religious life

: the work a person regularly does : occupation

: the persons in a particular occupation

Etymology

Middle English vocacioun "a strong inclination to a particular course of action or way of life," from early French vocaciun (same meaning), from Latin vocation-, vocatio "summons," derived from vocare "to call" — related to advocate, provoke, revoke