standard operating procedure

noun

: established or prescribed methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or in designated situations

called also standing operating procedure

Examples of standard operating procedure in a Sentence

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.
This is definitely not standard operating procedure in the Cactus League. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 This is standard operating procedure for Craven Faults. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026 The lab had no standard operating procedures, no clear chain of custody, and poor recordkeeping. Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Black people cast and produced to look stupid and foolish as standard operating procedure. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standard operating procedure

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standard operating procedure was in 1939

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Cite this Entry

“Standard operating procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20operating%20procedure. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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