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

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

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

Whatever your motivation, pursuing a career as a flight attendant is a distinct vocation with very different requirements than your typical job. —Niccolo Serratt, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Dec. 2024

Mirroring the story of countless great artists through history, Bernal didn’t choose his vocation. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Donahue spent most of his Jesuit vocation as a professor of New Testament studies. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 Nov. 2024

These three basics allow young people to acquire knowledge that is profitable, relationships that are priceless, and a vocation that elevates their self-worth. —Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

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

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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