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 following episode kicks off on a much lighter note with the lawyers all sitting around trading their favorite cosmetic procedures and self-care rituals.
—
Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
From techniques like deep-plane facelifts to the use of innovations such as tranexamic acid for safer, more technically proficient procedures, the field continues to evolve toward precision and care.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
This is a lengthy procedure, expected to last several months, but will allow the spacecraft to carry less fuel to Venus and prioritize that mass instead for instrumentation.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Timed drug delivery for recovery Heart attack patients often undergo bypass surgery to improve blood flow, but that procedure doesn’t repair the dead tissue.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
From techniques like deep-plane facelifts to the use of innovations such as tranexamic acid for safer, more technically proficient procedures, the field continues to evolve toward precision and care.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
This is a lengthy procedure, expected to last several months, but will allow the spacecraft to carry less fuel to Venus and prioritize that mass instead for instrumentation.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Timed drug delivery for recovery Heart attack patients often undergo bypass surgery to improve blood flow, but that procedure doesn’t repair the dead tissue.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Cite this Entry
“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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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