workflow

noun work·flow \ ˈwərk-ˌflō \

variants: or less commonly work flow

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of workflow

: the sequence of steps involved in moving from the beginning to the end of a working process

improving office workflow

… this new upgrade isn't revolutionary. But it does a fine job of streamlining workflow and getting the business done.
—Sally Wiener Grotta

The site automates and tracks workflow as well. For example, when a subcontractor fills out a request for information, it goes directly to the general contractor, who signs off on it. The request then travels to the architect, then back to the subcontractor.
—Lawrence Stevens

Recent Examples of workflow from the Web

The impact driver and hammer drill run on a 20V lithium ion battery, the most powerful consumer option for a more efficient workflow.

— samantha gordon, USA TODAY, "These are the 5 best Amazon deals you can find right now," 23 Jan. 2018
The station has also modified its editing workflow and procedures.

— fernando alfonso iii, Houston Chronicle, "Texas TV broadcast interrupted with creepy, 'disturbing' language," 21 Mar. 2018
On the developer side of things, machine learning can be embraced to simplify workflow.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "How machine learning can make prettier PC games that adapt to your play preferences," 19 Mar. 2018
Now Khanapurkar works as a project manager for a workflow-solutions company whose clients do a lot of printing, such as the Boston Globe.

— henri gendreau, WIRED, "These Women Could Lose Their Right to Work in the US," 9 Mar. 2018
An automated prescribing system based on procedures would allow more accurate pain medicine allocation, while aligning with the behavioral workflow of physicians.

— Washington Post, "Readers Have Bones To Pick, From Health System Flaws To Covering Marijuana Beat," 6 Mar. 2018
In some cases, too, assembly-line machines would be modified to better handle the job, or make the workflow easier and less body-straining for the workers.

— david kiley, Popular Mechanics, "GM Makes Money, Closes Factories," 15 Nov. 2010
They might be terrified at the full spectrum of my workflow.

— sarah spellings and diana tsui, The Cut, "The Prop Stylist Using Cake Decoration As Highlighter," 2 Feb. 2018
According to reps, the Recording Academy with integrate IBM’s signature Watson AI technology into the show’s digital workflow to streamline the operations and production behind the Grammys red carpet.

— billboard staff, Billboard, "CBS, Recording Academy Partners With IBM For Grammys AI Solutions," 24 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'workflow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.