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

b

: protocol sense 3a

Synonyms

• course
• operation
• proceeding
• process

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

Also only eight of the 10 teams are guaranteed state playoff games, so a tiebreaker procedure is in place, starting with wins/losses in the pool, then head-to-head matchups. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025

Last year, nonprofit Do No Harm unveiled a database of gender reassignment procedures carried out nationwide, reporting that Seattle Children’s Hospital was among the top providers for procedures in the country. —Tj Martinell | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Feb. 2025

The only film on this list that takes place on Valentine’s Day, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), two former lovers who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. —Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025

An individual who has a leaking aneurysm could have a procedure to block off the aneurysm, for example. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025

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

• procedure face mask
• procedure mask
• standard operating procedure

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

-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl

adjective

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