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
: 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.
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.
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