profession

noun

pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfe-shən 

1

a

: a principal calling, vocation, or employment

b

: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling

c

: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation

2

: an act of openly declaring or publicly claiming a belief, faith, or opinion : protestation

3

: the act of taking the vows of a religious community

4

: an avowed religious faith

see also:

oldest profession

Synonyms of profession

• declaration
• assertion
• insistence
• claim

Examples of profession in a Sentence

The doctor talked to students who are thinking about entering the profession.

Most professions in the medical field require years of training.

Their daughter recently became a member of the medical profession.

Recent Examples on the Web

This systemic lack of dedicated time for preparation and collaboration undermines school improvement efforts, makes the teaching profession less attractive, and directly hinders high-quality instruction. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Although some fans had jerseys, most spectators were in the business casual clothing of their professions. — Cal Phillips june 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Like many industries, the accounting profession’s talent pipeline ebbs and flows, requiring leaders to regularly reevaluate, nurture, and pivot as organizational and employee needs evolve. — Wayne Berson, Fortune, 30 June 2026

The automaker gets top ratings for such professions as automotive engineer and data scientist. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English professioun, from Anglo-French profession, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin profession-, professio, from Latin, public declaration, from profitēri

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing profession

• oldest profession
• the oldest profession
• the oldest profession in the world
• the world's oldest profession
• world's oldest profession

Rhymes for profession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

profession

noun

pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfesh-ən 

1

: the act of taking the vows of a religious community

2

: a public declaring or claiming (as of a belief, faith, or opinion)

3

a

: an occupation (as medicine, law, or teaching) that requires specialized knowledge and often advanced education

b

: a principal occupation or employment

c

: the people working in a profession

the legal profession

Medical Definition

profession

noun

pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfesh-ən 

1

: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation

2

: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling