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
At least 100 Texas children aged 17 and younger obtained abortions out of state in the first year after Texas banned the procedure, including six under the age of 12, according to the latest state data.
—Shafaq Patel, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025
Sometimes a stand-out life event might also be the catalyst for financial trauma later in life—for instance, a move to a new home, a medical procedure that insurance didn’t cover, a natural disaster, or a difficult divorce that drains your life savings.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Membership procedures vary depending on the credit union.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
The Neuralink procedure, on the other hand, occurs on the superficial, surface- area of the brain and requires a relatively small incision.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for procedure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder
First Known Use
circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing procedure
Dictionary Entries Near procedure
Cite this Entry
“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on procedure
Nglish: Translation of procedure for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of procedure for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share