pursuit

noun

pur·​suit pər-ˈsüt 

-ˈsyüt

1

: the act of pursuing

2

: an activity that one engages in as a vocation, profession, or avocation : occupation

Synonyms

• chase
• chasing
• dogging
• following
• hounding
• pursuing
• shadowing
• tagging
• tailing
• tracing
• tracking
• trailing

Choose the Right Synonym for pursuit

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 pursuit in a Sentence

The hounds were running in the woods in pursuit of a fox.

She enjoys reading, knitting, and other quiet pursuits.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cubs earned a wild-card spot in ’98, and the owners made a ton off Sammy Sosa’s pursuit of the home-run record. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

Outside of being a wife and mother, the First Lady has earned recognition from her philanthropic pursuits by American Red Cross and Police Athletic League. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025

Smith went east on Blair Avenue, and the sergeant reengaged the pursuit with emergency lights and sirens. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2025

Officers at the residence then saw two males run out of the rear door, leading to a foot pursuit on the nearby beach, according to police. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French pursute, from pursure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pursuit

• hot pursuit
• in close pursuit
• in full pursuit
• in hot pursuit
• in pursuit of
• pursuit plane

Kids Definition

pursuit

noun

pur·​suit pər-ˈsüt 

1

: the act of pursuing

2

: an activity done especially for pleasure