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

On this date in 2014, four Penguins — including three of the most responsible for those three Stanley Cup wins on that 16-season postseason run — received one of hockey’s highest callings: representing their country at the Winter Olympics. —Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

For Macias, cannabis had become a calling; both a scientific frontier and a moral imperative. —Javier Hasse, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Any evaluation of McCarthy should also include concerns about play calling, clock management, offensive schemes that offered minimal creativity, and teams that were out-coached in the playoffs. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2025

By Jane Harman December 30, 2024 3:05 AM EST For President Jimmy Carter, morality was a personal obligation that became a national calling. —Jane Harman, TIME, 30 Dec. 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