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

If Gaetz becomes the 87th attorney general by any means, the consequences will be immediate and severe, starting with a mass exodus of horrified career employees.

From Los Angeles Times

During the early years of the 42-year-old Gaetz’s career in politics, he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI while driving his dad’s BMW out of a nightclub.

From Slate

The musician and former Police frontman talks about his life and career ahead of a five-night stand at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

A military veteran who served with a medical unit in Iraq, Gabbard has set a number of political precedents in her career.

From BBC

What he did on a video conference call should have been the end of his career.

From Salon

Related Words

• course
• race