avocation
Americannoun
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something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, especially for pleasure; hobby.
Our doctor's avocation is painting.
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a person's regular occupation, calling, or vocation.
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Archaic. diversion or distraction.
noun
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formal a minor occupation undertaken as a diversion
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not_standard a person's regular job or vocation
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of avocation
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin āvocātiōn- (stem of āvocātiō ) “a calling away”; see a- 4, vocation
Explanation
An avocation is an activity that you pursue when you're not at work — a hobby. Pretty much anything can be an avocation: tennis, sudoku, writing poetry. If you're the journalist Clark Kent, your avocation is changing into a skintight red and blue jumpsuit and fighting crime. A vocation is the work you do because you have to; an avocation is what you do for pleasure, not pay. The ancient Latin root is a vocare a calling away from one's work, or a distraction. Today we use the word more to refer to a serious hobby. If you like knitting beautiful sweaters, then you, my friend, have an avocation — as long as you're not making your living from it.
Vocabulary lists containing avocation
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I think Spencer’s perspective was, ‘I’m going to turn this into not just an avocation but also a vocation,’” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026
Once she yells about her charley horse what might have been a saucy turn degrades into an awkward limb pile because that is Miranda's avocation.
From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2023
And for many, it’s a fulfilling part-time avocation that lets them give back to their communities.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 25, 2022
In fact, examining her particular talent for this avocation — and how her style contributed to it — explains a lot about the workings of Mr. Epstein’s enterprise.
From New York Times ● Dec. 17, 2021
Looking at God’s wondrous handiwork was a worthwhile avocation, and in some cases, vocation.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
