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
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
On Tuesday, the crew prepared by packing cargo, reviewing return-to-Earth procedures and transferring hardware aboard the ISS, the agency said.
—
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026
Exporters must also implement rigorous Know Your Customer procedures to prevent unauthorized use or remote access to the technology.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Under North Carolina law, Baldwin said, a lien based solely on fines must be enforced through judicial foreclosure, meaning the HOA used the wrong legal procedure from the start.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2026
In response, the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management Team was deployed to the site on Tuesday to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection procedures.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026
Exporters must also implement rigorous Know Your Customer procedures to prevent unauthorized use or remote access to the technology.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Under North Carolina law, Baldwin said, a lien based solely on fines must be enforced through judicial foreclosure, meaning the HOA used the wrong legal procedure from the start.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2026
In response, the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management Team was deployed to the site on Tuesday to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection procedures.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Cite this Entry
“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl
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
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