amateur Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
  2. noun an athlete who does not play for pay
  3. adjective satellite engaged in as a pastime
    unpaid; recreational.
    • an amateur painter
    • gained valuable experience in amateur theatricals
    • recreational golfers
    • reading matter that is both recreational and mentally stimulating
    • unpaid extras in the documentary
  4. adjective satellite lacking professional skill or expertise
    unskilled; amateurish; inexpert.
    • a very amateurish job
    • inexpert but conscientious efforts
    • an unskilled painting

WordNet

Am`a*teur" noun
Etymology
F., fr. L. amator lover, fr. amare to love.
Definitions
  1. A person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science as to music or painting; esp. one who cultivates any study or art, from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally.

Webster 1913