calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)
Synonyms of callingnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Martha had previously worked in New York as a model and a stockbroker but found her true calling by opening a catering business in the mid-1970s. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 With no auditions sticking, he’s decided his true calling is as a YouTube prankster. —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024 That isn’t Shyamalan’s calling card, but there’s a distinguishing cruelty about Split that puts it in the top 25. —Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2024 Is the bickering and name calling, mudslinging and pandering all too much for you? Vote. —Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calling 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of calling was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing calling

Dictionary Entries Near calling

Callinectes

calling

calling card

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calling. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

calling

noun
call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)
: occupation sense 1, profession

Medical Definition

calling

noun
call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)
: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat
also : the period of heat

More from Merriam-Webster on calling

Nglish: Translation of calling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of calling for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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