vocation

noun vo·ca·tion \ vō-ˈkā-shən \

Definition of vocation

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

See vocation defined for English-language learners

See vocation defined for kids

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 of vocation from the Web

Our justice system has spoken, and Brock has the right to pursue his vocation.

— larry stone, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks’ signing of Tramaine Brock evokes an uncomfortable feeling," 16 Aug. 2017
His father is trying to find a job or vocation for him, too.

— carlos mendez, star-telegram, "This TCU family tackles autism with teamwork," 11 Aug. 2017
And in Hood, all this reading germinates a vocation.

— steve donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Morningstar' shows how the books she read shaped a young woman's life," 10 Aug. 2017
He was hired, and, his family said, found his vocation as a man who enjoyed showing houses and arranging financing for families to make those all-important purchases.

— john pope, NOLA.com, "David Greenup, Pontchartrain Park salesman, dies at 91," 9 Aug. 2017
Members of Rotary clubs (known as Rotarians) provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Westlake Porter Public Library's STEAM Week offers programs for all ages: West Shore Chatter," 18 July 2017
Changes in your job, vocation, size of family or personal circumstances should drive the decision to move or sell your home.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Time to sell? Econometer looks at homeowner's dilemma," 7 July 2017
He is identified as a seaman, which suggests his vocation.

— The Root, "Tracing Your Roots: Was My Ancestor Deported to Ghana?," 7 July 2017
The little-known vocation involves a commitment to lifelong chastity.

— ann zaniewski, charlotteobserver, "Married to Jesus: Women make lifelong virginity pledge," 5 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of vocation

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

vocation Synonyms

Synonyms

calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade, occupation, work

Related Words

call, lifework; business, enterprise, field, livelihood, living, métier (also metier), racket [slang]; assignment, engagement, gig, mission; art, craft, handcraft, handicraft; appointment, berth, billet, office, place, position, post, situation; duty, function, job, load, task, workload

Near Antonyms

avocation, hobby, pursuit

VOCATION Defined for English Language Learners

vocation

noun

Definition of vocation for English Language Learners

: a strong desire to spend your life doing a certain kind of work (such as religious work)
: the work that a person does or should be doing

VOCATION Defined for Kids

vocation

noun vo·ca·tion \ vō-ˈkā-shən \

Definition of vocation for Students

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

It was her vocation to be an actress.

2 :the work in which a person is regularly employed :occupation

Word Root of vocation

The Latin word vox, meaning “voice,” and the related word vocāre, meaning “to call”, give us the root voc or vok. Words from the Latin vox or vocāre have something to do with the voice or with calling. Anything vocal is produced by the voice. A vocation is the work that someone is called to do as a job. To evoke is to call forth. To invoke is to call on for aid or protection. To provoke is to call forth another's anger. The word voice also has vox as its root.