protocol

noun

pro·​to·​col ˈprō-tə-ˌkȯl 

-ˌkōl,

-ˌkäl,

-kəl

1

: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction

2

a

: a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty

b

: the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators

3

a

: a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services)

a breach of protocol

b

: a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system

network protocols

c

: convention sense 3a,b

4

: a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure

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Protocol and Politics

In Late Greek, the word prōtokollon referred to the first sheet of a papyrus roll bearing the date of its manufacture. In some instances, it consisted of a flyleaf that was glued to the outside of a manuscript's case and provided a description of its contents. Coming from the Greek prefix prōto- ("first") and the noun kolla ("glue"), prōtokollon gave us our word protocol. In its earliest uses in the 15th century, the word referred to a prologue or preface and also to a record of a document or transaction. In the late 19th century, it began to be used in reference to the etiquette observed by the Head of State of France in ceremonies and relations with other dignitaries. This sense has since extended in meaning to cover any code of proper conduct.

Examples of protocol in a Sentence

Typically, those who make pronouncements like this assume (without saying so) that the tongues making up the multitude will belong to persons who are committed to the protocols of rational inquiry; frivolous persons, persons who exploit those protocols or play with them to gain political ends, are not imagined. —Stanley Fish, Harper's, December 2005

Purcell even flouted the timeless protocol of pretending to admire the work of his fellow editors. —Tobias Wolff, Old School, 2003

Today, thanks to the civil-rights movement, white guilt is propriety—an utterly invisible code that defines decency in our culture with thousands of little protocols we no longer even think about. —Shelby Steele, Harper's, November 2002

The soldier's actions constitute a breach of military protocol.

They did not follow the proper diplomatic protocols.

What is the proper protocol for declining a job offer?

the Geneva Protocol of 1925

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Recent Examples on the Web

Newsom’s office directed questions about whether the state has any regular inspection protocols to state transportation officials. —Julie Watson, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023

As the princess’s coffin passed Elizabeth, the queen bowed her head, breaking from protocol with a gesture that helped redeem her earlier silence in the eyes of the grieving public. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023

King Charles Steps Out on His 75th Birthday to Launch New Project Alongside Queen Camilla Prince William might have a more relaxed attitude around this protocol than previous royal generations, according to one anecdote. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 14 Nov. 2023

Besides focusing on protocols relating to financial and non-financial reporting compliance, CFOs should prioritize building a robust risk governance culture that supports adherence to applicable laws, regulations and internal policies. —Jim Deloach, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023

These fines were imposed in response to a range of violations, including not following COVID-19 infection prevention protocol, making medication errors, not reporting unexpected deaths and failing to protect residents from harm. —Rose Lundy, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2023

In keeping with wildfire-incident protocol, it was named after a landmark near the fire’s origin — Camp Creek. —John Riha, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2023

For his Parkinson’s fight, Gracie swapped the dune for protocols. —Kevin Maurer, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2023

The Eve Motion Sensor uses Thread, a low-power wireless protocol that allows devices to talk directly to each other. —WIRED, 7 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle French prothocole, from Medieval Latin protocollum, from Late Greek prōtokollon first sheet of a papyrus roll bearing date of manufacture, from Greek prōt- prot- + kollan to glue together, from kolla glue; perhaps akin to Middle Dutch helen to glue

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing protocol

• hypertext transfer protocol

• hypertext transfer protocol

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Kids Definition

protocol

noun

pro·​to·​col ˈprōt-ə-ˌkȯl 

1

: an original copy or record of a document

2

: a code of diplomatic or military rules of behavior

3

: a set of rules for the formatting of data in an electronic communications system

network protocols

Medical Definition

protocol

noun

pro·​to·​col ˈprōt-ə-ˌkȯl, -ˌkōl, -ˌkäl 

1

: an official account of a proceeding

especially : the notes or records relating to a case, an experiment, or an autopsy

2

: a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure

cryotherapy was performed in approximately half of the eyes through a randomization protocol

—Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

protocol

noun

pro·​to·​col ˈprō-tə-ˌkȯl 

1

: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction

2

a

: a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty

b

: the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators