professional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce professional (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession
b
: engaged in one of the learned professions
c(1)
: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
(2)
: exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2
a
: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
a professional golfer
b
: having a particular profession as a permanent career
a professional soldier
c
: engaged in by persons receiving financial return
professional football
3
: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession
a professional patriot
professionally adverb

professional

2 of 2

noun

: one that is professional
especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally

Examples of professional in a Sentence

Adjective Do you have any professional experience? You should seek professional advice. a golfer who recently turned professional I was impressed by the calm and professional way she handled the crisis. The presentation was very professional. Noun The bathtub was installed by a professional. The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals. a golfer who recently became a professional She handled the situation like a professional.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
In the professional game, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned on Sunday to the field after an extended period away from the game following yet another concussion. Kevin Dotson, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 Employee participation is the key to creating inclusive work environments that support both the needs and professional ambitions of neurodivergent talent. Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
Available to laundry professionals, the free manual offers dos and don’ts for using next-gen technologies like laser, ozone and nebulization on Tencel denim fabrics. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2024 Big Deal Nearly half of cybersecurity professionals say they’re left out in developing, onboarding, or implementing AI solutions, according to a new report from ISACA, a global professional association focused on IT governance. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for professional 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of professional was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near professional

Cite this Entry

“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

professional

1 of 2 adjective
pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce professional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling that of a profession
b
: having a particular profession as a permanent career
a professional soldier
2
a
: taking part for money in an activity (as sport) that others do for pleasure
professional golfers
b
: engaged in by persons who are paid
professional football
professionally
adverb

professional

2 of 2 noun
: a person who engages in an activity professionally

Medical Definition

professional

1 of 2 adjective
pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce professional (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession
2
: engaged in one of the learned professions
3
: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
professionally adverb

professional

2 of 2 noun
: a person who is professional
especially : a person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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