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 utility company says it was called to shut off gas to the building so investigators can safely do their job, which is standard procedure.
—
Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Tennessee Department of Children's Services, known as DCS, helps schedule and coordinate dental visits for youth in foster care if TennCare officials decided the orthodontic care or dental procedure is medically necessary, said DCS Director of Communications Ashley Zarach.
—Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025
Simultaneously, the procedures market has increased more than sixfold.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Dec. 2025
Many procedures, including Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), often referred to as Clear Lens Exchange, are performed with lasers and have short operative times.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Tennessee Department of Children's Services, known as DCS, helps schedule and coordinate dental visits for youth in foster care if TennCare officials decided the orthodontic care or dental procedure is medically necessary, said DCS Director of Communications Ashley Zarach.
—Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025
Simultaneously, the procedures market has increased more than sixfold.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Dec. 2025
Many procedures, including Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), often referred to as Clear Lens Exchange, are performed with lasers and have short operative times.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 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 15 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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