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
Mahomes underwent a procedure in Dallas to repair the damage to his left ACL, the Chiefs confirmed Monday.
—
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Chapter 551 of Texas government code says a governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program or service.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
Johns Hopkins proceeded with the police force by sharing final policies and procedures and swearing in its first officers in December 2024.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Geary died Sunday at 78 of complications from a surgical procedure three days prior.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Chapter 551 of Texas government code says a governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program or service.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
Johns Hopkins proceeded with the police force by sharing final policies and procedures and swearing in its first officers in December 2024.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Geary died Sunday at 78 of complications from a surgical procedure three days prior.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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