profession

noun

pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfe-shən How to pronounce profession (audio)
Synonyms of profession
1
a
: a principal calling, vocation, or employment
b
: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling
c
: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation
2
: an act of openly declaring or publicly claiming a belief, faith, or opinion : protestation
3
: the act of taking the vows of a religious community
4
: an avowed religious faith
see also:
oldest profession

Synonyms of profession

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Examples of profession in a Sentence

The doctor talked to students who are thinking about entering the profession. Most professions in the medical field require years of training. Their daughter recently became a member of the medical profession.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The clientele here is notably upscale, in-the-know, and coming from all fields of business, with an emphasis on creative professions and the luxury fashion world. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Schupbach also presented the Museum at FIT Student Award to Chloe LaBel, an art history and museum professions student at FIT, Class of 2027. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Case in point is The Fisherwoman (all the characters are identified by their profession or marital status), played to the hilt by Olivia Colman (who can do no wrong). — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 In the case of cosmetology, a program that stylists are required by law to complete to enter the profession, more than 90 percent of programs are projected to fail and perhaps close, creating an existential crisis for the profession. — Nathan Bruschi, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profession

Word History

Etymology

Middle English professioun, from Anglo-French profession, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin profession-, professio, from Latin, public declaration, from profitēri

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of profession was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing profession

Rhymes for profession

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Browse Nearby Words

professedly
profession
professional
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Cite this Entry

“Profession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profession. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

profession

noun
pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfesh-ən How to pronounce profession (audio)
1
: the act of taking the vows of a religious community
2
: a public declaring or claiming (as of a belief, faith, or opinion)
3
a
: an occupation (as medicine, law, or teaching) that requires specialized knowledge and often advanced education
b
: a principal occupation or employment
c
: the people working in a profession
the legal profession

Medical Definition

profession

noun
pro·​fes·​sion prə-ˈfesh-ən How to pronounce profession (audio)
1
: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation
2
: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling

More from Merriam-Webster on profession

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about profession

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