noun
vocation
voh-KAY-shuhn
noun
1
A job or career that someone feels strongly called or suited to, especially one seen as more than just a way to earn money.
"Teaching was more than a job to her — it was a vocation."
"He always felt a vocation for medicine, even as a child."
2
A strong inner sense of being called to a particular kind of religious life.
"She entered the convent after feeling a vocation to religious life."
How to Use Vocation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA career or calling that feels deeply right for you, not just a paycheck.
Common mistake
Don't mix it up with "vacation" (a holiday) — they look alike but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a sense of vocation
find your vocation
Word Forms
vocations plural
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Fill the Gap
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Teaching was more than a job to her — it was a _____.
Etymology
From Latin vocatio, "a calling," from vocare, "to call" — the same root as "vocal" and "invoke."