professional

¹pro·fes·sion·al

adjective \prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ˈfe-shə-n^əl\

Definition of PROFESSIONAL

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>

— pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb

Examples of PROFESSIONAL

1. Do you have any professional experience?
2. You should seek professional advice.
3. a golfer who recently turned professional
4. I was impressed by the calm and professional way she handled the crisis.
5. The presentation was very professional.

First Known Use of PROFESSIONAL

1606

Rhymes with PROFESSIONAL

accessional, concessional, congressional, expressional, obsessional, possessional, precessional, processional, progressional, recessional, successional

²professional

noun

Definition of PROFESSIONAL

: one that is professional; especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally

Examples of PROFESSIONAL

1. The bathtub was installed by a professional.
2. The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
3. a golfer who recently became a professional
4. She handled the situation like a professional.

First Known Use of PROFESSIONAL

1811