amateur
noun
a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.
amateurs
-
pluralof amateur.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An old adage has it that strategy is for amateurs and logistics is for professionals.
From Slate ● Aug. 19, 2026
William rode alongside top professional players and keen amateurs at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Court won 13 of her 24 Grand Slams before the Open Era began in 1968; before that, only amateurs were allowed to compete in Grand Slam tournaments.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026
"These are professionals, and when they get people on the phone, they are dealing with amateurs," said Philadelphia attorney Gary Schildhorn, who faced a similar attack in 2020.
From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026
The crier unslung and pegged the shining harp and, taking Demodokos’s hand, led him along with all the rest—Phaiakian peers, gay amateurs of the great games.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
