procure
verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇r 
prō-
procured; procuring; procures
1
transitive
: to get possession of (something) : to obtain (something) by particular care and effort
procure a loan
She had managed to procure a hat shaped like a life-size lion's head, which was perched precariously on her head.—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling2
transitive
: to bring about or achieve (something) by care and effort
was unable to procure the prisoner's release
3
transitive + intransitive
: to obtain (someone) to be employed for sex (as for an individual or in a brothel)
… accused of acting as a "madam" and "procuring girls" for wealthy sex offender Epstein—claims that she strongly denies.—The New York Post
The New York PostNo one has been prosecuted … for pimping or procuring …—Jacqueline Martis
Jacqueline MartisExamples of procure in a Sentence
It was at that encounter in Pakistan that Faris was put in charge of procuring acetylene torches to slice suspension cables, as well as torque tools to bend portions of train track.
—Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball.
—Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive …
—Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility that has procured for him the universal respect and admiration of his colleagues
Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball.
—Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive …
—Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility that has procured for him the universal respect and admiration of his colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
But truck canopies are meant to be outfitted, and Tekton brings its camper expertise to the fore in building and procuring a full lineup of base camp-ready add-ons.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
How to Harvest Cucumbers Knowing when to harvest your cucumbers is important not just for procuring delicious vegetables but also for maintaining a consistent supply throughout the season.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026
The plaintiffs claim that Jackson’s employees were complicit in Jackson’s abuse, often procuring alcohol and drugs for him with the knowledge of what they would be used for.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026
In the finale, the method to her upper-echelon bootstrap-yanking is revealed to be procuring young women to fraternize (and more) with a rotating roster of nefarious dinner-party guests—oh, and seemingly also recording these illicit interactions.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procure
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.
New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
How to Harvest Cucumbers Knowing when to harvest your cucumbers is important not just for procuring delicious vegetables but also for maintaining a consistent supply throughout the season.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026
The plaintiffs claim that Jackson’s employees were complicit in Jackson’s abuse, often procuring alcohol and drugs for him with the knowledge of what they would be used for.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026
In the finale, the method to her upper-echelon bootstrap-yanking is revealed to be procuring young women to fraternize (and more) with a rotating roster of nefarious dinner-party guests—oh, and seemingly also recording these illicit interactions.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procure
Cite this Entry
“Procure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procure. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
procure
verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇(ə)r
procured; procuring
1
: to get possession of
managed to procure tickets to the big game
2
: bring about, achieve
procured an audience with the pope
procurement
noun
-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-mənt
Legal Definition
procure
transitive verb
pro·cure
prə-ˈkyu̇r
procured; procuring
: to obtain, induce, or cause to take place
procurable
adjective
procurer
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
