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

Since working with her mother at the NICU, she’s learned such things as caring for infants, adhering to standards and procedures, and speaking with parents. —David Chiu, People.com, 16 May 2025

Assessing risks and carrying out checks The fraud risks within a supply chain are unique to each business, and objective assessment of the likelihood of your trading activities contributing to fraud is an essential first step to developing effective due diligence procedures. —Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

The procedure involves a flexible tube attached to a camera and tools. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

Saving Nora requires building her a new aorta and a stapling procedure that goes against everything Teddy knows about heart surgery. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 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