professional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl

1

a

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession

b

: engaged in one of the learned professions

c(1)

: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession

(2)

: exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

2

a

: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs

a professional golfer

b

: having a particular profession as a permanent career

a professional soldier

c

: engaged in by persons receiving financial return

professional football

3

: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession

a professional patriot

professionally adverb

professional

2 of 2

noun

: one that is professional

especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally

Examples of professional in a Sentence

Adjective

Do you have any professional experience?

You should seek professional advice.

a golfer who recently turned professional

I was impressed by the calm and professional way she handled the crisis.

The presentation was very professional.

Noun

The bathtub was installed by a professional.

The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.

a golfer who recently became a professional

She handled the situation like a professional.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Here is a summary of the gender breakdown for students enrolled in each of five health care professional training programs. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Urge him to talk to a professional, either via one-on-one counseling or in an anger management support group online or in person. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

Noun

So, how can leaders, professionals, and individuals use this insight to set resolutions that stick? —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Those professionals also need to have been offered a temporary job by a U.S. company, which must offer a wage that's not lower than that paid to similarly qualified workers or below the prevailing wage for the job in the geographic area where that person will be working. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing professional

• inter-professional
• professional corporation
• professional foul

Kids Definition

professional

1 of 2 adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

1

a

: of, relating to, or resembling that of a profession

b

: having a particular profession as a permanent career

a professional soldier

2

a

: taking part for money in an activity (as sport) that others do for pleasure

professional golfers

b

: engaged in by persons who are paid

professional football

professionally

-ē

adverb

professional

2 of 2 noun

: a person who engages in an activity professionally

Medical Definition

professional

1 of 2 adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession

2

: engaged in one of the learned professions

3

: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession

professionally

-ē 

adverb

professional

2 of 2 noun

: a person who is professional

especially : a person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally