An occupation is the work someone does to earn a living or spend their time productively. When you fill out a form that asks for your occupation, you might write “teacher,” “engineer,” “nurse,” or “chef.” Your occupation is often a significant part of your identity and how you contribute to society.

A doctor's occupation involves treating patients. A carpenter's occupation involves building things from wood. A scientist's occupation involves studying the natural world. Some occupations require years of training and education, while others you can learn through practice and experience.

The word also has a completely different meaning: the act of taking control of a place by military force. When an army occupies a territory, it takes control of that land. Historians talk about the Roman occupation of Britain or the Allied occupation of Germany after World War II.

In both meanings, occupation involves a sustained presence: either dedicating your time and energy to work, or maintaining control over a place.