routine

1 of 2

noun

rou·​tine rü-ˈtēn How to pronounce routine (audio)
1
a
: a regular course of procedure
if resort to legal action becomes a campus routineJ. A. Perkins
b
: habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure
the routine of factory work
2
: a reiterated speech or formula
the old "After you" routineRay Russell
3
: a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated
a dance routine
especially : a theatrical number
4
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task

routine

2 of 2

adjective

rou·​tine rü-ˈtēn How to pronounce routine (audio)
ˈrü-ˌtēn
1
: of a commonplace or repetitious character : ordinary
routine problems
2
: of, relating to, or being in accordance with established procedure
routine business

Examples of routine in a Sentence

Noun Grandma gets upset if we change her routine. A brisk walk is part of her morning routine. The job will be easier once you settle into a routine. the boring routine of paperwork Adjective The surgery has become a very routine operation and poses little danger. He criticized her routine absence from important meetings. The more you do it, the more routine it becomes. They hire high-school students for routine work such as filing. Data entry becomes routine very quickly.
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.
Noun
The goal is that participants learn a 30-second routine but the class uses several moves similar to those used in other dance fitness classes, like Zumba, the couple said. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 Don't Buy Expensive Tween Skincare Not only will your money be wasted trying to perfect a skincare routine for tweens, but a study in Pediatrics found that elaborate skincare products can be harmful to young skin and may even spark chronic conditions like allergic dermatitis. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 July 2025
Adjective
Automation: Simplify routine duties such as internal updates, meeting summaries and follow-up emails. Umair Javed, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 As of July 7, the CDC will combine its bird flu updates with its routine influenza updates, according to a news release on its website. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for routine

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Middle French, from route traveled way

First Known Use

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of routine was in 1661

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Cite this Entry

“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/routine. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

routine

1 of 2 noun
rou·​tine rü-ˈtēn How to pronounce routine (audio)
1
: a standard or regular way of doing something
2
: an often repeated speech or formula
3
: a part (as of an act or a sports performance) that is carefully worked out so it can be repeated often
a comedy routine
a dance routine
a gymnastic routine
4
: a set of computer instructions that will perform a certain job

routine

2 of 2 adjective
1
2
: done or happening in a usual or standard way
routinely adverb

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