adj. & n.
--adj.
1. of or belonging to or connected with a profession.
2 a having or showing the skill of a professional, competent. b worthy of a professional (professional conduct).
3 engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation (cf. AMATEUR) (a professional boxer).
4 derog. engaged in a specified activity regarded with disfavour (a professional agitator).
--n. a professional person.
Phrases and idioms:
professional foul a deliberate foul in football etc., esp. to prevent an opponent from scoring.
Derivatives:
professionally adv.