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
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal returned to throwing barely a week after having the procedure and threw a simulated game 20 days after the surgery.
—
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program, or RMP, is the main federal program designed to prevent hazardous chemical incidents and spell out emergency procedures.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Brave, stubborn — and sassy Rylan, who has undergone many surgeries and procedures over the years, including close to 10 in the last two years, received a kidney transplant from his mom just last year.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Khloé Kardashian and her ex Tristan Thompson are opening up about his vasectomy, a surgical procedure for contraception.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program, or RMP, is the main federal program designed to prevent hazardous chemical incidents and spell out emergency procedures.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Brave, stubborn — and sassy Rylan, who has undergone many surgeries and procedures over the years, including close to 10 in the last two years, received a kidney transplant from his mom just last year.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Khloé Kardashian and her ex Tristan Thompson are opening up about his vasectomy, a surgical procedure for contraception.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 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 3 Jun. 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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