vocational

adjective

vo·​ca·​tion·​al vō-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce vocational (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2
: of, relating to, or undergoing training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career
a vocational school
vocational students
vocationally adverb

Examples of vocational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As one Mouthpad reviewer notes, the device may be eligible for other forms of reimbursement, such as vocational rehabilitation programs. — Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026 The flip side • Pleased to hear Volusia County Corrections Department has a vocational training program for reentry to the community for those who have been incarcerated. — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 Through its dioceses and affiliated organizations, the church operates schools, hospitals, clinics, orphan care programs, agricultural extension projects, and vocational training centers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 The funds grow tax-free for 13 years and can be used at four-year colleges, community colleges, and vocational and trade programs. — John Ketcham, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vocational

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocational was in 1652

Phrases Containing vocational

Rhymes for vocational

See All Rhymes for vocational

Browse Nearby Words

vocation
vocational
vocational agriculture
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Cite this Entry

“Vocational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocational. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vocational

adjective
vo·​ca·​tion·​al vō-ˈkā-shnəl How to pronounce vocational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with a vocation
2
: of, relating to, or involved in training in a skill or trade to be followed as a career
vocational school
vocationally
-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on vocational

Nglish: Translation of vocational for Spanish Speakers

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