career

[ kuh-reer ]

noun

1. an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework:

   He sought a career as a lawyer.

2. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking:

   His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.

   Synonyms: livelihood, lifework, work, calling, vocation

3. success in a profession, occupation, etc.
4. a course, especially a swift one.
5. speed, especially full speed:

   The horse stumbled in full career.

6. Archaic. a charge at full speed.

verb (used without object)

1. to run or move rapidly along; go at full speed.

adjective

1. having or following a career; professional:

   a career diplomat.

career

/ kəˈrɪə /

noun

1. a path or progress through life or history
2. a profession or occupation chosen as one's life's work
3. modifier having or following a career as specified

   a career diplomat

4. a course or path, esp a swift or headlong one

verb

1. intr to move swiftly along; rush in an uncontrolled way

Word History and Origins

Origin of career¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French carriere, from Old Provençal carriera, literally, “road,” from Late Latin carrāria (via) “vehicular (road),” equivalent to Latin carr(us) “wagon” ( car ¹ ) + -āria (feminine of -ārius -ary )

Word History and Origins

Origin of career¹

C16: from French carrière, from Late Latin carrāria carriage road, from Latin carrus two-wheeled wagon, car

Idioms and Phrases

see checkered career .

Example Sentences

Teal, who also appeared on stage in “Newsies,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Rent,” first starred in the short film “First Memory” and spent much of his career in supporting roles.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the brief health scare, Rife told The Times his career trajectory had far exceeded his expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

Political discussions were, in a sense, the soundtrack to his career.

From BBC

Rayner deflected the question with a joke about Anderson's own career.

From BBC

Mikko Rantanen scored twice in the third period to complete his ninth career hat trick as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Kings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• course
• race