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.

That’s been his standard operating procedure during his first two drafts with the Chargers after spending two-plus decades with the Ravens in a variety of roles. —

Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 Gunn will meet Monday with Chesterton and Porter Police officials at Chesterton Town Hall to discuss the standard operating procedure in an attempt to work through outstanding issues. —

Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Milwaukee Police this year did change its standard operating procedure to explicitly prohibit officers from concealing their identity with face masks. —

Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026 This is definitely not standard operating procedure in the Cactus League. —

Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Feb. 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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Browse Nearby Words

standard of value

standard operating procedure

standard parallel

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Standard operating procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20operating%20procedure. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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