# occupation

/ˌɑkjəˈpeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɒkjʊpˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/occupation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a job

noun · CEFR B1 · Formal

the job or profession that you do to earn money.

For teachers: a person's regular work or profession; the primary activity by which one earns a living.

- Please state your name, age, and occupation on the application form.
- The census required every head of household to provide a detailed description of their primary occupation and any secondary sources of income.

### 2. military control

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where an army moves into and takes control of another country.

For teachers: the action of a military force taking control of a foreign territory or the period during which this control is maintained.

- The city remained under military occupation for several years after the war.
- International law dictates specific responsibilities for a governing power during a period of hostile military occupation to protect the civilian population.

### 3. using a space

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the act of living in or using a building or a piece of land.

For teachers: the act of entering into and taking possession of a property or location.

- The new office building is finally ready for occupation by the staff.
- The certificate of occupancy was delayed because the building failed to meet the latest fire safety standards for commercial occupation.

### 4. a hobby

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

an activity that you spend time doing, like a hobby.

For teachers: an activity or pastime that keeps a person busy or engaged.

- Reading and gardening were her favourite occupations during the long summer.
- In his retirement, he found that woodcarving was a pleasant occupation that kept his mind sharp and his hands busy.

## Examples

- Please state your name, age, and occupation on the form.
- The city remained under military occupation for three years until the peace treaty was finally signed.
- While her primary occupation was medicine, she devoted her leisure hours to the study of classical architecture and urban planning.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.