Showing results for "calling"

• present participle of call.

calling

American  

[kaw-ling] / ˈkɔ lɪŋ /

noun

callings plural

1. the act of a person or thing that calls.

2. vocation, profession, or trade.

   What is your calling?

   Synonyms:

   field, specialty, forte, province, mission

3. a call or summons.

   He had a calling to join the church.

4. a strong impulse or inclination.

   She did it in response to an inner calling.

5. a convocation.

   the calling of Congress.

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calling British  

/ ˈkɔːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, etc; vocation

2. an occupation, profession, or trade

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• callings
  plural

Etymology

Origin of calling

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at call, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

calling callings

One recent afternoon at Avenal City Hall, Preciado, wearing a Panama hat and still calling himself mayor, said he would gladly step down—if the courts make him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Last year PSG fans started a petition calling on the Ligue 1 champions to end the partnership.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

Boyle Heights residents are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a mandatory evacuation of their community, saying the fire and the toxic aftermath are continuing to pose health risks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Once you respond by calling a number purportedly provided by Robinhood, you have proven that you are a real live human being, and that makes you and your phone number a target.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

It would be like me calling myself Tom Bender.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Both futures speak to him as true callings, both as worthy directions for his soul’s devotion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

When we consider women who follow their callings just as admirable as those who follow their hearts, we all win.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2023

He is generous with details and evocative descriptions of his many callings.

From Washington Times ● Jan. 24, 2023

Working long hours in my callings was part of the appeal.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2022

“No. We don’t get callings because we live so far. How about you? Do you play in the praise band at your new church?”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner