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
In addition to the void left by Lemon and Lane’s departures, the Trojans will also be without their top returning wideout this spring, as Tanook Hines will sit out the entire session following an offseason procedure.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
In the era of the fax machine, knowing more than your competitors by holding specialized knowledge, memorizing procedures, and mastering complex systems, was a genuine competitive edge.
—Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
The validation line is also being used to verify and refine installation procedures for major vehicle systems.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
But with Frisco's ramp closed, every boat that launches will need to go through Dillon, not to mention processes and procedures with taking boats out like aquatic nuisance species inspections.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
In the era of the fax machine, knowing more than your competitors by holding specialized knowledge, memorizing procedures, and mastering complex systems, was a genuine competitive edge.
—Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
The validation line is also being used to verify and refine installation procedures for major vehicle systems.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
But with Frisco's ramp closed, every boat that launches will need to go through Dillon, not to mention processes and procedures with taking boats out like aquatic nuisance species inspections.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 4 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 6 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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