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 3a

Synonyms

• course
• operation
• proceeding
• process

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

Harvard has sued the Trump administration, claiming the government's actions, including freezing some of the university's federal funding, violate the First Amendment and don't follow proper procedure. —Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 2 May 2025

The policy includes procedures to address questions of eligibility. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

Virginia Tech: Starter Kyron Drones underwent an undisclosed medical procedure that kept him out for the latter part of spring practice. —Antonio Morales, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Maybe one day a transplant procedure could help people find the light side of the Force and turn away from the dark side. —Daniel B. Oerther, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

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