procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
Synonyms of procedurenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Before hopping onto the procedure, avoid the subsequent 10 key pitfalls to aid in smoother treatment and recovery. Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025 Added a 143,000-square-foot facility providing heart and stroke care, with spaces for surgeries, less-invasive procedures and cardiac intensive care, at a cost of $150 million. Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025 One case cited an upcharge for a facial filler procedure the client didn't initially request; and after the treatment, negative results presented, such as major swelling and fluid pooling beneath their eyes. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 The measure also takes aim at what medical expenses can be included in lawsuits over car accidents, in an effort, according to the company’s spokespeople, to prevent healthcare providers from inflating bills or prescribing unnecessary procedures. Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for procedure

Word History

Etymology

French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of procedure was circa 1577

Cite this Entry

“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

procedure

noun
pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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 How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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 How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on procedure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!