paraprofessional

noun

para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌper-ə--prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl,
ˌpa-rə-
: a trained aide who assists a professional person (such as a teacher or doctor)
paraprofessional adjective

Examples of paraprofessional in a Sentence

There is at least one paraprofessional in each classroom.
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.
In recent months, Mulgrew campaigned on the passage of the state’s 2022 class size law, took a sharply critical stance of Mayor Adams’ relationship with the Trump administration, and tried to push through legislation to boost pay for paraprofessionals. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025 The payment, announced Wednesday, comes a year after Tyler Zanella, a former paraprofessional for the district, was sentenced to more than 12 years for assaulting disabled students on school buses. Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 14 May 2025 The teacher, along with two paraprofessionals in the Tyler High School classroom, are now behind bars and charged with injury to a child, elderly individual or disabled individual, according to an arrest affidavit. Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2025 The funding under that law helps schools hire paraprofessionals, social workers, counselors and additional special education teachers. Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paraprofessional

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paraprofessional was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paraprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraprofessional. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

paraprofessional

noun
para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌpar-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: a person trained to assist a professional person (as a teacher or doctor)
paraprofessional adjective

Medical Definition

paraprofessional

noun
para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al -prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
: a trained aide who assists a professional person (as a doctor)
paraprofessional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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