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

As a result, many of us are turning to cosmetic procedures to address and hopefully get rid of these skincare concerns. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 11 Apr. 2024

Citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries are also well represented, benefiting from facilitated residency procedures. —Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2024

Rather than end the surveillance, Congress codified the program as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), granting itself some authority to enforce procedures ostensibly designed to limit the program's impact on Americans’ civil liberties. —Condé Nast, WIRED, 10 Apr. 2024

Warnings nationwide about medical procedures at unregulated med spas are rising. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024

This simple, 15-minute procedure, which is performed under anesthesia, helps your ears drain fluid and regulate pressure. —Blane Bachelor, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

Execution procedure questioned Dorsey's execution raised new concerns about Missouri's protocol, which includes no provision for the use of anesthetics. —CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024

Since that decision, nearly two dozen states have banned or limited access to the procedure. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

This exit procedure could delay the workers’ departure for five to 30 minutes or more, time for which the workers claimed they should have been paid. —Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024

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