professional

(noun) a person engaged in one of the learned professions. Synonyms: professional person.

(noun) an athlete who plays for pay. Synonyms: pro.

(noun) an authority qualified to teach apprentices. Synonyms: master.

(adj) engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood. Synonyms: professional (vs. nonprofessional). Examples: "The professional man or woman possesses distinctive qualifications." "Began her professional career after the olympics." "Professional theater." "Professional football." "A professional cook." "Professional actors and athletes."

(adj) of or relating to or suitable as a profession. Examples: "Professional organizations." "A professional field such as law."

(adj) characteristic of or befitting a profession or one engaged in a profession. Synonyms: professional (vs. unprofessional). Examples: "Professional conduct." "Professional ethics." "A thoroughly professional performance."

(adj) of or relating to a profession. Examples: "We need professional advice." "Professional training." "Professional equipment for his new office."

(adj) engaged in by members of a profession. Example: "Professional occupations include medicine and the law and teaching."