vocational

adjective

vo·​ca·​tion·​al
vō-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce vocational (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2
: of, relating to, or undergoing training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career
a vocational school
vocational students
vocationally adverb

Examples of vocational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are organizations like ours that provide vocational training and job matching services. Karen Fonseth, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 The state’s community colleges were to offer open-access undergraduate classes, associate degrees for transfer, and vocational training. Edsource, Oc Register, 21 May 2025 This project also includes $4 million in northwest improvements, $1 million in unspecified community benefits and up to $1.5 million to enhance the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, including vocational training and a college resource center. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025 Moser says that American leaders have overemphasized college to the detriment of vocational training and that the U.S. system of apprenticeships pales in comparison with the ones in countries like Germany and Switzerland. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vocational

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocational was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Vocational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocational. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

vocational

adjective
vo·​ca·​tion·​al vō-ˈkā-shnəl How to pronounce vocational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2
: of, relating to, or involved in training in a skill or trade to be followed as a career
vocational school
vocationally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on vocational

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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