paraprofessional

noun

para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌper-ə--prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl,

ˌpa-rə-

: a trained aide who assists a professional person (such as a teacher or doctor)

paraprofessional adjective

Examples of paraprofessional in a Sentence

There is at least one paraprofessional in each classroom.

Recent Examples on the Web

The district has already taken steps in recent months to close the gap of hundreds of millions through the lay-offs of hundreds of teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial workers and crossing guards. —Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

At the time, Medina-Calderón was a special-education paraprofessional, and as a Spanish speaker, helped acclimate Spanish-speaking families to the school. —Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025

The paraprofessional instructed the victim to delete all of the messages. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

As of February 2025, the district reported a shortage of 26 special education teachers and nine special education paraprofessionals. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paraprofessional

• interprofessional
• semiprofessional
• compressional
• concessional
• confessional
• congressional
• obsessional
• processional
• professional
• recessional
• successional
• nonprofessional

Kids Definition

paraprofessional

noun

para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌpar-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

: a person trained to assist a professional person (as a teacher or doctor)

paraprofessional adjective

Medical Definition

paraprofessional

noun

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

: a trained aide who assists a professional person (as a doctor)

paraprofessional adjective