career

[kuh-reer]

noun

1. an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework.

   He sought a career as a lawyer.

2. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking.

   His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.

   Synonyms: livelihood, lifework, work, calling, vocation

3. success in a profession, occupation, etc.

4. a course, especially a swift one.

5. speed, especially full speed.

   The horse stumbled in full career.

6. Archaic.,  a charge at full speed.

verb (used without object)

1. to run or move rapidly along; go at full speed.

adjective

1. having or following a career; professional.

   a career diplomat.

career

/ kəˈrɪə /

noun

1. a path or progress through life or history

2. a profession or occupation chosen as one's life's work

3. (modifier) having or following a career as specified

   a career diplomat

4. a course or path, esp a swift or headlong one

verb

1. (intr) to move swiftly along; rush in an uncontrolled way

Word History and Origins

Origin of career¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French carriere, from Old Provençal carriera, literally, “road,” from Late Latin carrāria (via) “vehicular (road),” equivalent to Latin carr(us) “wagon” ( car ¹ ) + -āria (feminine of -ārius -ary )

Word History and Origins

Origin of career¹

C16: from French carrière, from Late Latin carrāria carriage road, from Latin carrus two-wheeled wagon, _car

Idioms and Phrases

see checkered career.

Example Sentences

But at this point in her career, she’s suited to being an icon.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His experience with students at Hadley Hall inspired Brown, who died Aug. 18 at the age of 83, to focus his career on ADHD, just as it was beginning to gain public attention.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

That Birkin went on to have a solid career in film, music and theater, outlasting the short shelf life of a typical It Girl, is a testament to her talent, ambition and enduring allure.

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Similarly, the audience is left to wonder why this career coder has driving skills that would amaze James Bond.

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Despite his neurological torments, he savors the wonderful things that have happened to him and the career he has enjoyed.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• course 
• race