procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Epstein made an unmonitored call, thought to be to his girlfriend at the time, shortly before his death, which Barr acknowledged was a violation of procedures. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025 Breast augmentation has been among the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures for almost two decades, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and patients are discussing their implants more than ever before, down to specific surgical techniques. Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 The video follows him before, during and after the procedure. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025 On Sunday, Bolsonaro also went to the hospital for a series of tests and a medical procedure to remove skin lesions, CNN Brasil reported. Michael Rios, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for procedure

Word History

Etymology

French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of procedure was circa 1577

Cite this Entry

“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

procedure

noun
pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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 How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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 How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on procedure

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