subroutine
noun
sub·rou·tine
ˈsəb-(ˌ)rü-ˌtēn 
: a subordinate routine
specifically
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly
Examples of subroutine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The primary function of the main loop is to call the subroutine that reads the rotary encoder.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The encoder subroutine tries to eliminate switch bounce and is also easily modifiable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
In computer programming, a subroutine call is a piece of code—a kind of shorthand—that tells a machine to initiate a whole suite of lower-level mechanical actions.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2020
The 68000 instruction set allowed Mr. Smith to embed subroutines in ROM.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
Consider this example of a subroutine.
—Andrew Hudson, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2022
For non-sentient AI, this might be a computational subroutine built into the AI by the human developers of the AI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 May 2022
The Split-or-Johnson procedure contained a recursive step, in which a certain subroutine split the problem into two smaller pieces and then called itself to run again on the smaller pieces.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Jan. 2017
For example, there’s a subroutine that smooths the movement of the stick figures so the dancers don’t jerk about too much, and a completely separate neural network dedicated to re-tracing the target’s face to ensure realism.
—James Vincent, The Verge, 26 Aug. 2018
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The encoder subroutine tries to eliminate switch bounce and is also easily modifiable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
In computer programming, a subroutine call is a piece of code—a kind of shorthand—that tells a machine to initiate a whole suite of lower-level mechanical actions.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2020
The 68000 instruction set allowed Mr. Smith to embed subroutines in ROM.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
Consider this example of a subroutine.
—Andrew Hudson, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2022
For non-sentient AI, this might be a computational subroutine built into the AI by the human developers of the AI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 May 2022
The Split-or-Johnson procedure contained a recursive step, in which a certain subroutine split the problem into two smaller pieces and then called itself to run again on the smaller pieces.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Jan. 2017
For example, there’s a subroutine that smooths the movement of the stick figures so the dancers don’t jerk about too much, and a completely separate neural network dedicated to re-tracing the target’s face to ensure realism.
—James Vincent, The Verge, 26 Aug. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subroutine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near subroutine
Cite this Entry
“Subroutine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subroutine. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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subroutine
noun
sub·rou·tine
ˌsəb-(ˌ)rü-ˈtēn
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly
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