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 Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has not released the identities of the victims whose names were read during the brief proceeding. Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025 In the motion to withhold release of the video and other materials filed in Rucker’s case, Cook County prosecutors argued that the release could interfere with enforcement proceedings and a defendant’s right to a fair trial. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 The 17th pick will be used Wednesday, while No. 31 is the selection that kicks off Thursday’s second-round proceedings. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 June 2025 But back in United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, where the court proceedings moved after McIntire returned home, the government appealed that judge’s order. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proceeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proceeding. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

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