DictionaryAI

professor

noun
pruh-FES-ur/pɹəˈfɛsɚ/pruh-FES-uh/pɹəˈfɛsə/

Pluralprofessors

5 meanings of professor

Practice

  1. 1
    university teachernouncountable
    A college or university teacher of high rank. In the US, students call almost any college teacher this.

    My favorite professor teaches the first-year biology class.

    Several professors helped me pick my classes for the fall.

    UsageIn schools, say teacher. Professor is for colleges and universities: Professor Lee.

    Note
  2. 2
    believernounarchaic
    A person who openly says they believe in something, especially a religion or teaching.

    Every professor of the faith gathered to recite the creed aloud.

    As for Religion, I have not said, much lesse meant irreverently of it, or of the Professors thereof.
    1660, William Petty, Reflections upon some Persons and Things in IrelandHere, professors means people who openly follow and declare a faith.
    Note
  3. 3
    skilled performernounobsolete
    A person who publicly practices or teaches an art or skill.
    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    nounslangUS
    A piano player who works in a bar, dance hall, or similar place.
  2. 5
    noun
    The puppeteer who puts on a Punch and Judy show.

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Origin

It comes from a Latin word meaning a person who claims knowledge, linked to the verb meaning 'to profess'. It reached English through Anglo-Norman.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts