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

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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.
The vacancy on the Hobart City Council resulted in the calling of a caucus of the Lake County Democratic Party which allows political parties to replace members who die or leave office. — Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 This is the human truth behind Cordelia’s calling, one that brings specificity and humanity to the character. — Judy Berman, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 Apple guidance Separately, the Commission also sent guidance to Apple under the DMA calling for the iPhone maker to take concrete steps to comply with its interoperability obligation under EU competition rules. — Ryan Browne, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 On the surface, her life seems pretty great, while inside, there’s a fierceness that’s been brewing, a calling towards a new way of being. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 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

Rhymes for calling

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Browse Nearby Words

calling
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Cite this Entry

“Calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calling. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about calling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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