proceeding

noun

pro·​ceed·​ing prō-ˈsē-diŋ How to pronounce proceeding (audio)
prə-
1
: legal action
a divorce proceeding
2
3
proceedings plural : events, happenings
4
5
proceedings plural : an official record of things said or done

Examples of proceeding in a Sentence

The secretary kept a record of the proceedings at the meeting. She started the proceedings with a brief welcoming speech. The proceedings of the conference will be published.
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.
The filing for that proceeding was later placed under seal. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024 That’s not to say there wasn’t a very Vegas flavor about proceedings. Luke Smith, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified during the proceeding and revealed new details about the events leading up to the fatal shooting. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 Tempur Sealy filed a motion in October asking a Texas district court judge for a preliminary injunction that would stop the FTC’s administrative proceeding that is set to begin on Dec. 4. Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proceeding 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proceeding was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near proceeding

Cite this Entry

“Proceeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proceeding. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

proceeding

noun
pro·​ceed·​ing
1
2
plural : things that happen
kept an eye on the proceedings
3
: a legal action

Legal Definition

proceeding

noun
pro·​ceed·​ing
1
: a particular step or series of steps in the enforcement, adjudication, or administration of rights, remedies, laws, or regulations: as
a
: an action, hearing, trial, or application before the court
collateral proceeding
: a proceeding that concerns an order, motion, petition, or writ deriving from or sought in relation to another proceeding (as a trial) a collateral proceeding on a motion to have the judge in a pending trial disqualified
especially : one in which a collateral attack on a judgment is made
sought to avoid the effect of the judgment in a collateral proceeding after denial of a direct appeal
core proceeding
: a proceeding (as one instituted by a debtor against a creditor) that is integral to the administration of a bankruptcy estate and so falls under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court
non-core proceeding
: a proceeding involving a matter that relates to a bankruptcy case but that does not arise under bankruptcy laws, that could be adjudicated in a state court, and over which a bankruptcy court has limited authority
special proceeding
: a proceeding (as for condemnation or disbarment) that may be commenced independently of a pending action by petition or motion and from which a final order affecting a substantial right may be immediately appealed special proceedings created exclusively by statute where a special procedure is appropriate and warrantedSosebee v. County Line Sch. Dist., 897 S.W.2d 556 (1995)
summary proceeding
: a civil or criminal proceeding in the nature of a trial that is conducted without formalities (as indictment, pleadings, and usually a jury) for the speedy and peremptory disposition of a matter
supplementary proceeding
: a proceeding to discover the assets of a judgment debtor
also : a proceeding that in some way supplements another
b
: a hearing conducted by an administrative body
c
: a criminal prosecution or investigation
2
plural : an official record of things done or said

More from Merriam-Webster on proceeding

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