professional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-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

Adjective

To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney. —Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024

In 2024, the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes—also known as WAGs—are more than just an extension of their partner or a trophy item sitting in the stands. —Glamour, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

The company identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting due to a lack of accounting professionals with necessary expertise. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Supplements Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1811, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing professional

• inter-professional
• professional corporation
• professional foul

Kids Definition

professional

1 of 2 adjective

pro·​fes·​sion·​al prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-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

-ē

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 

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

-ē 

adverb

professional

2 of 2 noun

: a person who is professional

especially : a person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally