career

American  

[kuh-reer] / kəˈrɪər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

career Idioms  

1. see checkered career.

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Etymology

Origin of career

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 )

Example Sentences

After a stellar career that included Olympic gold in 2016, Ryder Cup heroics and reaching No. 1 in the world, it began to look like time was catching up to Rose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

All of this was purposeful in response to a very dark moment in the actor’s life and career.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

From the start of their career, the members frequently appeared in vlogs, sharing their thoughts and directly addressing fans.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Coach Cori Close, who defeated South Carolina in Sunday’s final, was mentored by the Bruins legend at the very start of her career.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I kept telling myself that all I had to do was point out that there was no place in Joey’s career, my organization or our driveway for the likes of him.

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• course
• race