procure
verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇r 
prō-
procured; procuring; procures
1
transitive
: to get possession of (something) : to obtain (something) by particular care and effort
procure a loan
She had managed to procure a hat shaped like a life-size lion's head, which was perched precariously on her head.—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling2
transitive
: to bring about or achieve (something) by care and effort
was unable to procure the prisoner's release
3
transitive + intransitive
: to obtain (someone) to be employed for sex (as for an individual or in a brothel)
… accused of acting as a "madam" and "procuring girls" for wealthy sex offender Epstein—claims that she strongly denies.—The New York Post
The New York PostNo one has been prosecuted … for pimping or procuring …—Jacqueline Martis
Jacqueline MartisExamples of procure in a Sentence
It was at that encounter in Pakistan that Faris was put in charge of procuring acetylene torches to slice suspension cables, as well as torque tools to bend portions of train track.
—Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball.
—Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive …
—Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility that has procured for him the universal respect and admiration of his colleagues
Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball.
—Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive …
—Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility that has procured for him the universal respect and admiration of his colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead of procuring off-the-shelf control boards and motor drivers from external suppliers, a typical practice that adds markups and limits system optimization, the company’s designs these critical modules in-house.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The sprawling property was owned by David and Paula Flitner when West procured the estate, according to the outlet.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a person under 18 for prostitution.
—Jennifer O'Neil, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025
Skaggs himself introduced opioids to five other players by telling them that Kay could help procure the pills, attorneys for the ball club allege.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procure
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The sprawling property was owned by David and Paula Flitner when West procured the estate, according to the outlet.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a person under 18 for prostitution.
—Jennifer O'Neil, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025
Skaggs himself introduced opioids to five other players by telling them that Kay could help procure the pills, attorneys for the ball club allege.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procure
Cite this Entry
“Procure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procure. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
procure
verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇(ə)r
procured; procuring
1
: to get possession of
managed to procure tickets to the big game
2
: bring about, achieve
procured an audience with the pope
procurement
noun
-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-mənt
Legal Definition
procure
transitive verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇r
procured; procuring
: to obtain, induce, or cause to take place
procurable
adjective
procurer
noun
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