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
The camp’s emergency instructions told campers to stay in cabins during floods, violating Texas law requiring youth camps have evacuation procedures.
—
Emily Foxhall, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Clerk’s office staff will supervise operations, but students will serve their peers and faculty by checking in voters, processing ballots, and upholding procedures with accuracy and integrity.
—Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Before his death, Jordan James Parke was rejected from Botched twice, after the show's doctors warned him away from additional cosmetic procedures.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
If petroleum jelly posed a meaningful cancer or toxicity risk through skin contact, it would not be routinely used after medical procedures that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Emily Foxhall, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Clerk’s office staff will supervise operations, but students will serve their peers and faculty by checking in voters, processing ballots, and upholding procedures with accuracy and integrity.
—Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Before his death, Jordan James Parke was rejected from Botched twice, after the show's doctors warned him away from additional cosmetic procedures.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
If petroleum jelly posed a meaningful cancer or toxicity risk through skin contact, it would not be routinely used after medical procedures that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 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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