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
Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
My first professional job was at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for professional 
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Adjective
Many families have to wait months to receive the first appointment with a mental health professional through their insurance and then have to wait three to four months again to have the second appointment.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
My first professional job was at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 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
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 22 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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