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
After the mother was reported missing, her home and the immediate surrounding area were searched as part of standard procedure, Commander Rick Krakow of the Naperville Police Department tells PEOPLE.
—
Sam Gillette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
In the past, standard procedures were used to handle allegations of antisemitism, such as letting the institution know; asking them to address the claims, if found to be legitimate; and giving the university time to address the incident.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
The effort resulted in Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois on Aug. 3 to disrupt legislative procedures.
—Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 5 Aug. 2025
Each task can be labor-intensive if done manually and will require clear policies, procedures and allocation of responsibilities.
—Madhu Nadig, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Sam Gillette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
In the past, standard procedures were used to handle allegations of antisemitism, such as letting the institution know; asking them to address the claims, if found to be legitimate; and giving the university time to address the incident.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
The effort resulted in Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois on Aug. 3 to disrupt legislative procedures.
—Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 5 Aug. 2025
Each task can be labor-intensive if done manually and will require clear policies, procedures and allocation of responsibilities.
—Madhu Nadig, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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