I. prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ˈfe-shə-n ə l adjective
Date: 1606
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
• pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1811
: one that is professional ; especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally