plural routines
1
: a regular way of doing things in a particular order
Grandma gets upset if we change her routine.
A brisk walk is part of her morning routine.
The job will be easier once you settle into a routine.
You must go through the whole routine [=all the steps] of disarming the alarm.
an exercise routine [=a set of exercises always done in the same order]
We keep a copy of all correspondence as a matter of routine. [=as a standard procedure]
2
: a boring state or situation in which things are always done the same way
The meeting was a welcome break from routine. [=the meeting was different from what we normally do]
the boring routine of paperwork
3
a
: a series of things (such as movements or jokes) that are repeated as part of a performance
a comedy/dance/gymnastics routine
b
informal
: something that is said or done the same way very often
—usually singular
Every time I ask him to do something, I get the old "I'm too busy" routine. [=he says "I'm too busy"]
4
: a set of instructions that will perform a particular job on a computer
the installation routine
1
: done very often
The surgery has become a very routine operation and poses little danger.
He criticized her routine absence from important meetings.
2
: done or happening as a normal part of a job, situation, or process
a routine luggage search
a routine annual physical
routine [=ordinary] business practices
3
a
: easily done according to a set way or method
The more you do it, the more routine it becomes.
They hire high-school students for routine work such as filing.
b
disapproving
: boring because of always being done in the same way
Data entry becomes routine very quickly.
Cite this Entry
“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/routine. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.
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