calling

noun

call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)
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
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.
The exchange quickly devolved into name calling. Nik Popli, Time, 16 Sep. 2025 Miami’s coaching has been sloppy, and the play-calling has lacked creativity. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025 The Hornets are not a dull outfit with their arsenal of speed on offense and defense and Marion’s dynamic play-calling. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025 In the end, the WallyCento Galateia, owned by David Leuschen and Chris Flowers, with America's Cup veteran Murray Jones calling tactics, claimed the top prize. Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calling. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

calling

noun
call·​ing ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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