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

Congress is calling a hearing to examine whether the American Bar Association (ABA) has used its dominant role in law school accreditation to push diversity, equity and inclusion policies throughout the legal profession. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

This kind of interdisciplinary approach has become especially important as artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming most professions. — Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

In keeping with their professions, Kelly and Giffords have to do a lot of these banquets. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Winkler has been open about the impact Hopkins’ work as an actor has had on his own work in the profession. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 20 July 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