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
: 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
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
Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Engage experienced senior managers to experiment and mid- and junior-level professionals to operate the business cost-effectively.
—Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for professional 
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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 Official Arduino Starter Kit is ideal for STEM learning or for adult hobbyists or professionals interested in these areas.
—Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Engage experienced senior managers to experiment and mid- and junior-level professionals to operate the business cost-effectively.
—Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for professional
Dictionary Entries Near professional
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-ē
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
professional
2 of 2 noun
: a person who is professional
especially
: a person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally
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