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

Five teachers, 11 paraprofessionals, five non-union staff, and two long-term substitute teachers were let go on Friday. —Samantha Chaney, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Rebecca Perry, paraprofessional at Roberts Academy since 2010. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025

Some make millions of dollars each year in their positions, while the starting wage at the school is $30 an hour for paraprofessionals, according to a salary database. —Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Oct. 2025

The funding pays for paraprofessionals to help children with autism function and adapt to general classroom environments. —K. Ward Cummings, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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