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

Questions can be raised about his tactical decisions, but Martin has found relative success with this approach at points throughout his career.

From BBC

Looking back decades later, Sánchez-Gordon, 74, said that that experience would shape her views and career.

From Los Angeles Times

"Looking forward to making more moves in my career with a great team and the future is looking bright," she posted on Instagram.

From BBC

"Paris was the pinnacle of my career so far," he said.

From BBC

He also eclipsed 60,000 career yards passing in the win.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• course 
• race