Definition of: professional

(prə·fesh′ən·əl) adjective
1. Connected with, preparing for, engaged in, appropriate, or conforming to a profession: professional courtesy, a professional soldier, a professional job.
2. Of or pertaining to a special occupation, often for gain: opposed to amateur: a professional ball game or player.
—noun
1. One who pursues as a business some vocation or occupation.
2. A person who engages for money to compete in sports: opposed to amateur.
3. One skilled in a profession.
—pro·fes′sion·al·ly adverb