/vəʊ'keɪʃn; vo`keʃən/
n
1 [C] ~ (for/to sth) feeling that one is called to (and qualified for) a certain kind of work, esp social or religious （认为自己合于做某事的）使命感（尤指社会上的或宗教上的）
*vocations to the priesthood, ministry, etc 任牧师等的使命感
* have/follow one's vocation to become a nun 奉神召当修女
* Nursing is a vocation as well as a profession. 护理工作既是职业也是救死扶伤的责任.
2 [U] ~ (for sth) natural liking or aptitude for a certain type of work （对某种工作的）天生的爱好或才能
*He has little vocation for teaching. 他不是教书的材料.
3 [C usu sing 通常作单数] (fml 文) person's trade or profession 行业; 职业
*find one's true vocation (in life) 找到了（一生中）真正的职业
* You should be an actor you've missed your vocation, ie you are following the wrong career. 你应该当演员--你入错行了.

n [U and C]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin;Origin: vocatio 'call, summons', from vocare 'to call']
a) the feeling that the purpose of your life is to do a particular type of work, especially because it allows you to help other people
vocation for
　Jan has a vocation for teaching.
　a strong sense of vocation
　You missed your vocation (=you would have been good at a particular job) .
b) a particular type of work that you feel is right for you
　At 17 she found her true vocation as a writer.
a strong belief that you have been chosen by God to be a priest or a nun