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

professional training/development/experience

a professional career as a nurse/teacher/scientist

b

: engaged in a profession that requires academic learning as preparation

The professional middle class … attains its position through educational credentials rather than inheritance …

—Jeffrey J. Williams

c(1)

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

did a competent, professional job

Child actors in big productions still have to go to school—and find ways to have some fun—while rehearsing on a professional level.

—Jessica Gelt

(2)

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

professional behavior/attire

deals with customers in a professional way

The presentation was very professional.

2

a

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

a professional golfer/poker player

Few think of Idaho as fertile ground for developing professional baseball players.

—Michael Lycklama

b

: having a particular profession as a permanent career

a professional soldier

c

: engaged in by persons receiving financial return

plays professional football/sports/poker

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 : someone who does a job that requires special training, education, or skill : someone who is a member of a profession

medical professionals

The bathtub was installed by a professional.

especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally

The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.

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

The only professional soccer game played in the western half of the United States on Wednesday night took place in Sacramento, when Republic FC hosted Rhode Island FC and won, 2-1. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

This is nearly $50,000 above the new federal lifetime borrowing cap for professional degrees, and a clear case of Oyiborhoro’s rationale that the policy may unintentionally constrict the pipeline into essential professions. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Noun

Access to mentorship, financial resources, and skill-building opportunities allows more students and young professionals to achieve college success and launch meaningful careers. — Sivan Hines, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

More inclusive systems Gerhardt says right now, solo agers are expected to take the lead in planning for their housing, finances, and transportation to appointments, often by hiring professionals to help them. — Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 9 July 2026

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

Rhymes for professional

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

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