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 Seattle Education Association (SEA) is the teachers union for Seattle Public Schools teachers, paraprofessionals, office professionals and other staff members. — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

This year, public schools across the state will start the school year without enough bus drivers, paraprofessionals, ESE aides, custodial staff, cafeteria workers, nurses and other essential educators who keep students healthy and safe in school. — Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

The Council maintains the one-time bonuses are necessary to solve a shortage of at least 1,600 paraprofessionals. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026

Future efforts to solve the district’s financial issues include things like bringing paraprofessionals back in-house and securing grants, according to Engel’s presentation. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

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