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 tumor was removed, however due to its locations and the extensive surgical procedure there were changes in her personality afterward.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
While Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, 60 votes are needed to bypass the filibuster, a senatorial procedure that allows lengthy debate in order to delay or ultimately prevent a vote on a bill.
—George Petras, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The audio also utilizes Kilmer’s voice, which, in his later life was damaged by a tracheal procedure.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
In the motion filed Monday, TEA lawyers argued that the agency has a standard procedure for complaints and hearings that give the educator time to respond.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
While Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, 60 votes are needed to bypass the filibuster, a senatorial procedure that allows lengthy debate in order to delay or ultimately prevent a vote on a bill.
—George Petras, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The audio also utilizes Kilmer’s voice, which, in his later life was damaged by a tracheal procedure.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
In the motion filed Monday, TEA lawyers argued that the agency has a standard procedure for complaints and hearings that give the educator time to respond.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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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