Added 1 October 2026
professional
/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ə.nəl/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about professional at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A person who belongs to a profession.
- A white-collar worker, especially one with a specialized, high-earning job such as a doctor or engineer.
- A person who earns their living from a specified activity.
adjective
-
Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with the (usually high) standards of a profession.
The doctor is very professional in his manner.
-
Of an occupation, paid, especially so as to provide a livelihood.
a professional musician, a professional footballer
-
Engaging in persistent behaviour that is exaggeratedly implied to be a full-time, paid occupation.
Don't listen to him, he's a professional bullshitter.
Origin
From Middle English professhennalle, professhynalle; equivalent to profession + -al.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)