vocational

adjective

vo·​ca·​tion·​al vō-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

In community colleges focused on vocational training, registration increased by 16% last year, reaching its highest level since 2018, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. —Stephen Tave, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

While undergoing the months-long program, offenders participate in half-day programming and half-day work, school, or vocational activities. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025

In a social media video, teacher chapter president Marcia Howard said support workers also want higher wages and vocational accrual benefits. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025

There’s also help with job readiness or pursuing educational or vocational training. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vocational

• licensed vocational nurse
• vocational school

Rhymes for vocational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• nonrational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational

Kids Definition

vocational

adjective

vo·​ca·​tion·​al vō-ˈkā-shnəl 

-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

-ē

adverb