vocation

noun

vo·​ca·​tion vō-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

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

especially : a divine call to the religious life

b

: an entry into the priesthood or a religious order

2

a

: the work in which a person is employed : occupation

b

: the persons engaged in a particular occupation

3

: 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.

Synonyms of vocation

• profession
• occupation
• work
• employment

Examples of vocation in a Sentence

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

Freelancers, whether artists, journalists or teachers, need proof of their vocation with, say, a diploma or a license, along with evidence of financial means. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 July 2026

McElwee’s brother, having followed their father into the medical profession, received mentorship and experienced the glow of paternal pride, whereas McElwee’s youthful filmmaking vocation was met with bewilderment and doubt. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Neither his studies in sociology and international administration, nor his experience as a social worker, have deterred him from his vocation as a garbage collector. — Literary Hub, 8 July 2026

Early life and religious vocation Gerardi was born in Guatemala City on December 27, 1922. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing vocation

• miss one's vocation

Rhymes for vocation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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Kids Definition

vocation

noun

vo·​ca·​tion vō-ˈkā-shən 

1

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

especially : a divine call to the religious life

2

a

: the work a person regularly does : occupation

b

: 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