procedural

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsē-jə-rəl 

-ˈsēj-rəl

: of or relating to procedure

especially : of or relating to the procedure used by courts or other bodies administering substantive law

procedurally adverb

procedural

2 of 2

noun

: a realist crime novel, film, or television drama with a specific focus

a courtroom procedural

especially : police procedural

Examples of procedural in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Despite the procedural obstacles, progressive judicial activists said the situation is dire enough that Democrats need to consider some norm-busting behavior to force the Senate to confront the ethical issues at the court and hold justices accountable. —Carl Hulse, New York Times, 7 June 2024

In procedural work, the best teams are only 2 times better than average. —Byalice Zhang, Fortune, 5 June 2024

Noun

The show has won over fans and critics alike for its signature blend of horror and humor, something Mandvi says sets it apart from other procedurals. —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 24 May 2024

Streaming companies and studios are suddenly becoming interested in old network standbys like medical procedurals and legal dramas. —John Koblin, New York Times, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1876, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing procedural

• police procedural
• procedural due process
• procedural face mask
• procedural mask

Medical Definition

procedural

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl 

: relating to or comprising memory or knowledge concerned with how to manipulate symbols, concepts, and rules to accomplish a task or solve a problem compare declarative

Legal Definition

procedural

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsē-jə-rəl 

: of or relating to procedure

sentence reversed as result of procedural error in sentencing

—National Law Journal

compare substantive

procedurally adverb