adj 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 pro*fes*sion*al*ly adv 
, n :  a person who is professional : esp  :  a person who engages in a pursuit or activity professionally .
 
   
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.