a strong inner urge to follow a particular career or vocation, a profession or activity that one is well suited for or particularly enjoys

true calling, higher calling, wake-up call

Formal and Informal Expressions of calling

In different contexts, you can replace 'calling' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'vocation, profession' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'job, career' is a commonplace synonym.

calling: Explore its Definition & Usage

calling Definition

1a strong inner urge to follow a particular career or vocation
2a profession or activity that one is well suited for or particularly enjoys

Using calling: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "calling" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Teaching was always her calling.
Example
He felt a calling to become a priest.
Example
Her calling as an artist was evident from a young age.

calling Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for calling

Phrases with calling

true calling
the career or vocation that one is meant to pursue in life
Example
After years of working in finance, she finally discovered her true calling as a chef.
higher calling
a moral or spiritual purpose or mission that one feels compelled to fulfill
Example
Many people enter the medical field because they feel a higher calling to help others.
wake-up call
an event or experience that causes someone to realize the need for change or action
Example
The pandemic was a wake-up call for many people to prioritize their health and well-being.

Origins of calling

from Old Norse 'kalla', meaning 'to call'

📌

Summary: calling in Brief

The term 'calling' [ˈkɔːlɪŋ] refers to a strong inner urge to follow a particular career or vocation, or a profession or activity that one is well suited for or particularly enjoys. It can be used to describe a person's true calling or higher calling, and can also refer to a wake-up call that prompts change or action.