Avocation

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /avÉ™(ÊŠ)ˈkeɪʃən/
• US IPA: /ævoʊˈkeɪʃən/, /ævəˈkeɪʃən/

Origin

From Latin āvocātiō ("a distraction"), from avocō ("I call off, distract").

Full definition of avocation

Noun

1. (obsolete) A calling away; a diversion.
• 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 204:But though she could neither sleep nor rest in her bed, yet, having no avocation from it, she was found there by her father at his return from Allworthy's, which was not till past ten o'clock in the morning.
2. A hobby or recreational or leisure pursuit.
• 1934, Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud TimeBut yield who will to their separation,My object in living is to uniteMy avocation and my vocationAs my two eyes make one in sight.
3. That which calls one away from one's regular employment or vocation.
4. Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one's time; usual employment; vocation.