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” ( see car ¹) + -āria (feminine of -ārius -ary )

Explanation

You may have to take jobs as a dog walker, cat groomer, and fish feeder before you complete school for a career as a veterinarian. Small jobs in the short term give you experience for a long-term career. Career comes from the French carrière, from an older word for "street" or "road." Staying on track for a certain career is like driving a car in one direction on a road, instead of veering in different directions. Maybe the expression "career path" is helpful in remembering that a career is something that progresses, or moves forward on a set path. It can also be used as a verb to describe something moving quickly and uncontrollably, like a car careering into a ditch.

Example Sentences

It was the first time Ayton was ejected in his eight-year NBA career.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Kearns, who began her career with Liverpool before joining Villa in 2024, needs time to rebuild her fitness and does not expect to play again until next season.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The Kings will begin the offseason for the first time in two decades without Anze Kopitar, who played the final game of his Hall of Fame career Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Despite largely negative reviews from critics who called the film superficial, audiences flocked to the uplifting take on Jackson’s early career packed with classic songs like “Bad” and “Thriller.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Being stolen briefly is a great career move.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Related Words

• course
• race