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calling

noun
call·​ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio) \

Definition of calling

1 : a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence
2 : the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages
3 : the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat also : the period of heat
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about calling

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Choose the Right Synonym for calling

work, employment, occupation, calling, pursuit, métier, business mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living. work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not. her work as a hospital volunteer employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer. your employment with this firm is hereby terminated occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training. his occupation as a trained auto mechanic calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession. the ministry seemed my true calling pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest. her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted. acting was my one and only métier business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs. the business of managing a hotel

Examples of calling in a Sentence

He had always felt a calling to help others. He experienced a calling to enter the priesthood.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Behind him, there’s minimal game experience at a position that has been a calling card of this Alabama defense over the past decade. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "What Dylan Moses injury means for Alabama, how Nick Saban will respond," 28 Aug. 2019 Moving the capital could be seen as Widodo’s attempt to burnish his legacy as an infrastructure-minded leader, something that has become his calling card since taking office in 2014, Fernandes said. — Washington Post, "Welcome to the jungle: Indonesia picks site for new capital city," 26 Aug. 2019 Recently Bronny presented a calling card to Curry, now in his 30s, the oldest member of his team. — Gary Peterson, The Mercury News, "LeBron James Jr. hits ridiculous trick shot, leaves calling card for Stephen Curry," 16 Aug. 2019 Black's calling card has been a fastball that's averaged 98.8 mph this season, hits 100 regularly and has been clocked as high as 104. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Hard-throwing reliever Ray Black didn't have an easy path to Milwaukee," 14 Aug. 2019 The Oklahoma product entered the NBA with the reputation of a long-range gunner, but his vision and passing prowess is his true calling card. — Michael Shapiro, SI.com, "Finding the Top Win Total Locks of the 2019-20 Season," 9 Aug. 2019 Giddy-up-and-go is his calling card, both on and off the field. — Stan Grossfeld, BostonGlobe.com, "For Red Sox minor leaguer who lives in an RV, life is a wonderful road game," 7 Aug. 2019 Last week, eBay announced plans to launch its own fulfillment service next year, which will provide its sellers with the two-day delivery service that Amazon long considered its calling card. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, Vox, "EBay is suing Amazon for “racketeering” and anti-competitive practices," 2 Aug. 2019 The family will receive relatives and friends at D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel on Saturday (August 17) from 10 - 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the conclusion of calling hours. — courant.com, "Charles Derohanian," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'calling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of calling

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for calling

calling

noun
How to pronounce calling (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of calling

: a strong desire to spend your life doing a certain kind of work (such as religious work)
: the work that a person does or should be doing

See the full definition for calling in the English Language Learners Dictionary

calling

noun
call·​ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio) \

Kids Definition of calling

: a profession especially that a person feels strongly about Teaching was his true calling.

calling

noun
call·​ing | \ ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio) \

Medical Definition of calling

: the characteristic cry of a female cat in heat also : the period of heat

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More from Merriam-Webster on calling

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with calling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calling

Spanish Central: Translation of calling

Nglish: Translation of calling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of calling for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calling

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