adjective
always used before a noun
relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill
done or given by a person who works in a particular profession
always used before a noun
paid to participate in a sport or activity
done by people who are paid to play or compete
[more ~; most ~] :having or showing the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well
noun
plural -als
[count] someone who does a job that requires special training, education, or skill :someone who is a member of a profession
someone who is paid to participate in a sport or activity
someone who has a lot of experience or skill in a particular job or activity