What does metier mean?
A métier is a person’s profession, occupation, or characteristic form of work, especially one that involves particular skills, training, or a strong sense of vocation. The word is commonly used in formal and literary contexts and can suggest more than a current job: it often evokes a field or calling that defines a person’s working life. “Teaching was his métier” presents teaching not simply as employment but as a deeply established professional identity. The related sense of a métier as a field or area of expertise appears in discussions of careers, crafts, and creative work. Métier is especially useful when emphasizing the nature and status of an occupation, rather than an employer, workplace, salary, or career path. Its French origin and association with skilled trades give it a somewhat elevated, traditional tone, although it is now understood in ordinary English.
A person’s occupation, profession, or characteristic line of work.
"Her métier as a documentary filmmaker required patience, persistence, and a willingness to travel."
The word is more formal than occupation and often suggests skilled work, a vocation, or a field of expertise.
A field or area of professional or skilled activity.
"The novel offers a detailed portrait of the métier of the lighthouse keeper."
This sense is common in literary, artistic, and cultural contexts.
The standard plural is métiers, retaining the French-style accent; in text without accent support, metiers is also common.
"The book explores several traditional métiers, including weaving, carpentry, and stone carving."
Métier began as a French word associated with skilled trades and has retained the idea of work shaped by craft, expertise, and professional identity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metier come from?
The word entered English from French métier, meaning a trade, craft, or profession. French métier developed through Old French forms associated with Latin ministerium, a word related to service, employment, and occupational work. Its English use preserves the French emphasis on a skilled vocation or recognizable professional field.
How metier is actually used
Usually formal or literary. It often conveys a sense of vocation, skilled work, and a professional identity rather than merely an job or position.
Easily confused with metier
A career generally refers to a person’s professional development and sequence of employment, whereas a métier emphasizes a type of work, vocation, or skilled occupation.