Amateur Definition

ămə-tûr, -tər, -cho͝or, -chər, -tyo͝or

amateurs

noun

amateurs

One who engages in an art, science, study, or athletic activity as a pastime rather than as a profession.

American Heritage

A person who engages in some art, science, sport, etc. for the pleasure of it rather than for money; a nonprofessional; specif., an athlete who is variously forbidden by rule to profit from athletic activity.

Webster's New World

An athlete who has never accepted money, or who accepts money under restrictions specified by a regulatory body, for participating in a competition.

American Heritage

A person who does something without professional skill.

Webster's New World

One lacking the skill of a professional, as in an art.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

adjective

Of or performed by an amateur.

American Heritage

Of or done by an amateur or amateurs.

Webster's New World

Made up of amateurs.

An amateur cast.

American Heritage

Being an amateur or made up of amateurs.

Webster's New World

Not professional; unskillful.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Amateur

Noun

Singular:

amateur

Plural:

amateurs

Origin of Amateur

From French amateur, from Latin amātōrem (“lover”), from amāre (“to love”).

From Wiktionary
French from Latin amātor lover from amāre to love

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition