noun
Very common
calling
KAW-lihng
Calling (noun) means a strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life. Example: “He left his office job after feeling a calling to work with animals.”
noun
1
A strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life.
"He left his office job after feeling a calling to work with animals."
"Many nurses describe their work as a calling rather than just a job."
"She always felt teaching was her true calling."
2
A person's job, trade, or occupation.
"Farming was his father's calling, and his grandfather's before him."
"Choose a calling that suits your skills and keeps you interested."
"Nursing is a demanding calling that requires real compassion."
How to use calling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA career or purpose you feel deeply drawn to, almost as if it chose you.
Common pairings
find one's calling
a higher calling
answer the calling
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Word forms
- Plural
- callings
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He left his office job after feeling a _____ to work with animals.
Etymology
From "call" plus the suffix "-ing."
Related words
Rhymes for calling
See all rhymes for calling →Frequently asked questions
What does “calling” mean?
The word “calling” means a strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life. In plain terms, a career or purpose you feel deeply drawn to, almost as if it chose you.
How do you pronounce “calling”?
“Calling” is pronounced KAW-lihng (/ˈkɔlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “calling” in a sentence?
Here is “calling” used in a sentence: “She always felt teaching was her true calling.”
What is another word for “calling”?
Words with a similar meaning to “calling” include vocation.
What part of speech is “calling”?
“Calling” is a noun.
Is “calling” a common word?
“Calling” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “calling” have?
“Calling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong inner urge to pursue a particular career or way of life.
What is the difference between a calling and a vocation?
The two are very close, and often used interchangeably. A calling stresses the strong inner pull toward a particular path, as if you were summoned to it. A vocation is the more formal word for that same sense of purpose, especially in work or service. A calling is felt; a vocation is the life it leads to.
How do you find your calling?
There is no single method, but most people uncover a calling by noticing what deeply engages them, what they would do even without reward, and where their strengths meet a genuine need. Trying different roles, reflecting on what feels meaningful, and paying attention to recurring urges all help reveal the path that fits.
What is an example of a calling?
Someone drawn to heal others may describe medicine or nursing as their calling; another might feel called to teach, create art, care for animals, or serve their community. The mark of a calling is that the work feels less like a chosen job and more like something you are meant to do.
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