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

That means clear notification procedures, credible monitoring and reliable deconfliction backed by the United Nations. —John W.h. Denton Ao, Fortune, 6 June 2026

Yet the lengthy process of carrying out such reforms and advancing the process of membership has frustrated some candidate countries, leading to some calls to find ways to accelerate the procedure. —Justin Spike, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026

Restaurants that receive more than 30 demerits are required to immediately fix the most critical violations and start corrective procedures on all the other violations within 48 hours. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026

Although resuming his normal testosterone dosage shortly after the procedure, Kenny’s menstrual cycle started to return. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 6 June 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