vocation

American  

[voh-key-shuhn] / voʊˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a particular occupation, business, or profession; calling.

   Synonyms:

   pursuit, employment

2. a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career.

3. a divine call to God's service or to the Christian life.

4. a function or station in life to which one is called by God.

   the religious vocation; the vocation of marriage.

---

vocation British  

/ vəʊˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a specified occupation, profession, or trade

2. 1. a special urge, inclination, or predisposition to a particular calling or career, esp a religious one

   2. such a calling or career

---

Etymology

Origin of vocation

1400–50; late Middle English vocacio ( u ) n < Latin vocātiōn- (stem of vocātiō ) a call, summons, equivalent to vocāt ( us ) past participle of vocāre to call ( -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Cobb took to this role as a public educator naturally; teacher wasn’t just her vocation but an essential facet of her personality.

From The Wall Street Journal

She added: "In my calling now, I strive to carry the care and compassion that shaped my vocation as a nurse into everything that I do."

From BBC

The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory—they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because even those who believe in no religion at all have a stake in others’ freedom to pursue their vocations and do good works.

From The Wall Street Journal

The latest installments, “East” and “West,” focus on artisans engaged at the highest level of their sometimes obscure vocations.

From The Wall Street Journal