procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər 

1

a

: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting

b

: a step in a procedure

2

a

: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order

legal procedure

a surgical procedure

b

: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action

3

a

: a traditional or established way of doing things

b

: protocol sense 1a

Synonyms of procedure

• process
• method

Examples of procedure in a Sentence

Installing a car battery is a simple procedure.

What is the procedure for applying for a loan?

New employees are taught the proper safety procedures.

We must follow proper court procedure.

An identity check is standard police procedure.

the procedure for treating a burn

The procedure will take two hours.

Recent Examples on the Web

The procedure has been associated with a higher number of live births, Sable says. — Edna Bonhomme, Scientific American, 6 July 2026

Experts say the rulings did not adhere to Nigerian judicial procedures. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 July 2026

Wisdom teeth may be on a similar path, moving from an afterthought of a dental procedure to tissue with genuine research value attached. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

That second step is the hard part, and it’s made harder still by the fact that problems with classical proofs might still use quantum computers for their proof-checking procedures (or algorithms). — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing procedure

• procedure face mask
• procedure mask
• standard operating procedure

Kids Definition

procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər 

1

: a manner or method in which a business or action is carried on

2

a

: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order

the procedure for acquiring a passport

b

: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action

procedural

-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl

adjective

Medical Definition

procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər 

1

: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting

2

: a step in a procedure

especially : a series of steps followed in a regular definite order

a surgical procedure

a therapeutic procedure

Legal Definition

procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər 

1

: one or more methods or steps for the enforcement or administration of rights, duties, justice, or laws

civil procedure

police procedure

compare procedural law, substantive law

2

: a particular and especially established way of doing something

a medical procedure

security procedures