professor

noun

pro·​fes·​sor prə-ˈfe-sər How to pronounce professor (audio)
Synonyms of professor
1
: one that professes, avows, or declares
2
a
: a faculty member of the highest academic rank at an institution of higher education
b
: a teacher at a university, college, or sometimes secondary school
c
: one that teaches or professes special knowledge of an art, sport, or occupation requiring skill
professorship
prə-ˈfe-sər-ˌship How to pronounce professor (audio)
noun

Examples of professor in a Sentence

Professor Williams will be teaching the class.
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.
Jae-Hyuk Yu, professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Everyday Health that poor harvesting and processing practices, high moisture storage conditions and where the coffee is grown can all contribute to mold presence. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Research spearheaded by a Texas Christian University professor shows students can benefit academically from having an hour of outdoor play per day. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Patel, a professor and entrepreneur, has been a faculty member at the school since 2023. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 Faith leaders have historically played the role of peacekeepers, said Wendy Cadge, professor of sociology at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and founder of the think tank Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for professor

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of professor was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing professor

Rhymes for professor

See All Rhymes for professor

Browse Nearby Words

professionless
professor
professorate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Professor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professor. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

professor

noun
pro·​fes·​sor prə-ˈfes-ər How to pronounce professor (audio)
: a teacher especially of the highest rank at a college or university
professorial
ˌprō-fə-ˈsōr-ē-əl How to pronounce professor (audio)
ˌpräf-ə-, 
-ˈsȯr-
adjective
professorially
-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce professor (audio)
adverb

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