routine

1 of 2

noun

rou·​tine rü-ˈtēn 

1

a

: a regular course of procedure

The toddler sleeps better when we follow a bedtime routine.

… if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine.

—J. A. Perkins

We keep a copy of all department memos as a matter of routine. [=as a standard procedure]

b

: habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure

the routine of factory work

2

: a reiterated speech or formula

… the old "After you" routine.

—Ray 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 

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

3

a

: easily done according to a set way or method

It'll become more routine the more you do it.

b

: boring as a result of unvarying repetition

Data entry becomes routine very quickly.

Synonyms of routine

Noun

• grind
• rut
• pattern
• groove
• drill
• habit

Adjective

• normal
• usual
• ordinary
• typical
• average

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

Noun

That’s the case for reapplication, and the case for finding a method that works with your makeup routine, not against it. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Remember to acclimate, hydrate and change your routine as needed. — Christa Sgobba, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Adjective

Some plans also help cover routine maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Each establishment receives between one and four routine inspections per year. — Mary Ella Hastings july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing routine

• a matter of routine

Rhymes for routine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

routine

1 of 2 noun

rou·​tine rü-ˈtēn 

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

: commonplace entry 2, ordinary

2

: done or happening in a usual or standard way

routinely adverb