calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

1

: a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence

2

: the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages

3

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat

also : the period of heat

Synonyms

• abandonment
• abortion
• calling off
• cancellation
• cancelation
• dropping
• recall
• recision
• repeal
• rescission
• revocation

Choose the Right Synonym for calling

work, employment, occupation, calling, pursuit, métier, business mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living.

work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

Examples of calling in a Sentence

He had always felt a calling to help others.

He experienced a calling to enter the priesthood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each felt a calling for their work — Boyd after his prayer for a homeless man to find a job was answered, Schmiedeke after four years spent living on couches and in cars with his mother. —Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Immediately, Weaver felt a calling, and the Mile High City seemed like an apt place to launch a similar concept. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2024

Scarbrough believes despite Robinson's death, this must be her daughter's calling from a higher spirit. —Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024

Six people who found a new creative calling later in life — or for whom recognition was long overdue. —Laura May Todd, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024

In 1991, scientists observed desert cicadas during a partial eclipse and noticed a long stop in their calling. —Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

Travel nurse or other medical staff Some career paths that people select out of a calling or sense of mission offer jobs with housing: 1. —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

So, of course, the Wilson Phillips singer’s two daughters with her husband, guitarist Rob Bonfiglio, have found their musical calling, too. —Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

There was a rich simpatico among the three owners then, but after several years, Carol experienced another calling to education and amicably departed the organization. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing calling

• calling card
• miss one's calling
• name-calling

Kids Definition

calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

: occupation sense 1, profession

Medical Definition

calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ 

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat

also : the period of heat