procedure

noun pro·ce·dure \ prə-ˈsē-jər \

Definition of procedure

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 3a

See procedure defined for English-language learners

See procedure defined for kids

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 of procedure from the Web

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department is easing financial aid rules and procedures for those affected by Harvey.

— maria danilova, The Seattle Times, "Government eases student loan rules for Harvey victims," 30 Aug. 2017
This number provides recorded information on topics such as the new animal services and adoption center’s hours and location in Derwood, adoption and licensing procedures, and lost-and-found and field services.

— Washington Post, "Montgomery County Animal Watch," 30 Aug. 2017
Two weeks after that report, the Gazette reprinted a detailed description of the procedure from the authoritative Chambers’s Cyclopaedia.

— stephen coss, Smithsonian, "What Led Benjamin Franklin to Live Estranged From His Wife for Nearly Two Decades?," 24 Aug. 2017
Ultherapy uses intense heat, which many find uncomfortable, so most patients choose to take a medication to relax them during the procedure.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Sagging skin? Turkey neck? These treatments may help tighten your loose skin.," 21 Aug. 2017
Michelle Fregoso, District 203's director of communications, said district officials have worked closely with eye-care professionals to ensure safety protocols and procedures are in place.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Lessons are a shot in the dark," 18 Aug. 2017
Interestingly, both procedures [methotrexate and salpingostomy] are normally presented to patients exclusive of any moral considerations.

— joanna petrone, Longreads, "Pregnant, then Ruptured," 18 Aug. 2017
Repeat same slicing procedure for remaining onion halves.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Caramelized Onions," 8 Aug. 2017
And Republicans backed parliamentary procedures to prevent Trump from firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions during the August recess, a move that many fear could be a first step toward Mueller’s dismissal.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "Pence Swears He’s Not Running for Trump’s Second Term," 7 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'procedure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of procedure

French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1577

See Words from the same year

procedure Synonyms

Synonyms

course, operation, process, proceeding

PROCEDURE Defined for English Language Learners

procedure

noun

Definition of procedure for English Language Learners

: a series of actions that are done in a certain way or order : an established or accepted way of doing something
: a medical treatment or operation

PROCEDURE Defined for Kids

procedure

noun pro·ce·dure \ prə-ˈsē-jər \

Definition of procedure for Students

:an action or series of actions for doing or accomplishing something

What is the procedure for school enrollment?

Medical Dictionary

procedure

noun pro·ce·dure \ prə-ˈsē-jər \

medical Definition of procedure

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

Law Dictionary

procedure

noun pro·ce·dure \ prə-ˈsē-jər \

legal Definition of procedure

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

Learn More about procedure

See words that rhyme with procedure Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for procedure Spanish Central: Translation of procedure Nglish: Translation of procedure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of procedure for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up procedure? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

procedure

Definition of procedure

People Are Reading

Examples of procedure in a Sentence

Recent Examples of procedure from the Web

Origin and Etymology of procedure

procedure Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

PROCEDURE Defined for English Language Learners

procedure

Definition of procedure for English Language Learners

PROCEDURE Defined for Kids

procedure

Definition of procedure for Students

Medical Dictionary

procedure

medical Definition of procedure

Law Dictionary

procedure

legal Definition of procedure

Learn More about procedure

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066