procedure

noun

pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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
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.
January 5 - The Pentagon announces US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year’s Day for complications from a medical procedure. CNN, 21 Nov. 2024 When situations occur that could impact safety, the district has policies and procedures in place. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 No election procedures in the Phoenix metro area were interrupted by the fake bomb threats, according to a spokesperson for the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024 The former executive producer and star of Jay Leno’s Garage underwent a skin grafting procedure to tend to his severe face, chest, and hand burns. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for procedure 

Word History

Etymology

French procédure, from Middle French, from proceder

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of procedure was circa 1577

Dictionary Entries Near procedure

Cite this Entry

“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

procedure

noun
pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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
-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl
adjective

Medical Definition

procedure

noun
pro·​ce·​dure prə-ˈsē-jər How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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 How to pronounce procedure (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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