procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər 
1
a
: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
b
: a step in a procedure
2
a
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
legal procedure
a surgical procedure
b
: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
3
a
: a traditional or established way of doing things
Examples of procedure in a Sentence
Installing a car battery is a simple procedure.
What is the procedure for applying for a loan?
New employees are taught the proper safety procedures.
We must follow proper court procedure.
An identity check is standard police procedure.
the procedure for treating a burn
The procedure will take two hours.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan said donations will go toward emergency and ongoing medical care, surgeries and reconstructive procedures and long-term recovery and support.
—
Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Experts agree plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are nothing to be ashamed of and transparency from celebrities is critical to dismantling unhealthy beauty norms.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The Government Accountability Office documented the ongoing problem in a recent report, which noted that controller attrition and the agency’s ponderous hiring procedures contribute to the long-term problem.
—Colleen Mondor, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
One pending motion stems from a request for documents related to the team’s security procedures during home games and evaluations of them, as well as communications between the team’s lawyers and those for Major League Baseball.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Experts agree plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are nothing to be ashamed of and transparency from celebrities is critical to dismantling unhealthy beauty norms.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The Government Accountability Office documented the ongoing problem in a recent report, which noted that controller attrition and the agency’s ponderous hiring procedures contribute to the long-term problem.
—Colleen Mondor, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
One pending motion stems from a request for documents related to the team’s security procedures during home games and evaluations of them, as well as communications between the team’s lawyers and those for Major League Baseball.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Cite this Entry
“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: a manner or method in which a business or action is carried on
2
a
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
the procedure for acquiring a passport
b
: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
procedural
adjective
-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl
Medical Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
2
: a step in a procedure
especially
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
a surgical procedure
a therapeutic procedure
Legal Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: one or more methods or steps for the enforcement or administration of rights, duties, justice, or laws
civil procedure
police procedure
compare procedural law, substantive law
2
: a particular and especially established way of doing something
a medical procedure
security procedures
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