Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

AVOCATION

 - 3 dictionary results

av⋅o⋅ca⋅tion

  [av-uh-key-shuhn]
Use AVOCATION in a Sentence
–noun
1. something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, esp. for pleasure; hobby: Our doctor's avocation is painting.
2. a person's regular occupation, calling, or vocation.
3. Archaic. diversion or distraction.
Origin:
1520–30; < L āvocātiōn- (s. of āvocātiō) a calling away. See a- 4 , vocation

Related forms:
av⋅o⋅ca⋅tion⋅al, adjective
av⋅o⋅ca⋅tion⋅al⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To AVOCATION
av·o·ca·tion   (āv'ō-kā'shən)   
n.  

  1. An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment; a hobby.

  2. One's regular work or profession.

  3. Archaic A distraction or diversion.


[Latin āvocātiō, āvocātiōn-, diversion, from āvocātus, past participle of āvocāre, to call away : ā-, ab-, away; see ab-1 + vocāre, to call; see wekw- in Indo-European roots.]
av'o·ca'tion·al adj., av'o·ca'tion·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

avocation 
1529, "a calling away from one's occupation," from L. avocationem (nom. avocatio) "a calling away," pp. of avocare, from ad- "away" + vocare "to call" (see voice).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see AVOCATION on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way