procure

verb

pro·​cure prə-ˈkyu̇r How to pronounce procure (audio)
prō-
procured; procuring; procures
1
transitive : to get possession of (something) : to obtain (something) by particular care and effort
procure a loan
She had managed to procure a hat shaped like a life-size lion's head, which was perched precariously on her head.J. K. Rowling
2
transitive : to bring about or achieve (something) by care and effort
was unable to procure the prisoner's release
3
transitive + intransitive : to obtain (someone) to be employed for sex (as for an individual or in a brothel)
… accused of acting as a "madam" and "procuring girls" for wealthy sex offender Epstein—claims that she strongly denies.The New York Post
No one has been prosecuted … for pimping or procuringJacqueline Martis
procurable adjective

Examples of procure in a Sentence

It was at that encounter in Pakistan that Faris was put in charge of procuring acetylene torches to slice suspension cables, as well as torque tools to bend portions of train track. Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball. Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive … Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility that has procured for him the universal respect and admiration of his colleagues
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.
Reacts to Republican Rebellion in Florida Anyone convicted of procuring, viewing or possessing unlawful pornography would be guilty of a felony and face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $100,000. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 India and other countries may turn to alternative routes in advancing their AI models due to limitations in procuring technology like Nvidia GPUs. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025 Most Popular Man who procured guns, ammo for Sinaloa Cartel sentenced to nearly 20 years Clouds and drizzle will replace Santa Ana winds Thursday across San Diego County San Diego’s 7 most dangerous intersections could soon get a safety overhaul. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 On Monday, the man who procured the 20,000 rounds of ammunition for the cartel, 39-year-old San Bernardino County resident Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla, was sentenced in San Diego federal court to 19 years and six months in prison. Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for procure 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French procurer, from Late Latin procurare, from Latin, to take care of, from pro- for + cura care

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of procure was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near procure

Cite this Entry

“Procure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procure. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

procure

verb
pro·​cure prə-ˈkyu̇(ə)r How to pronounce procure (audio)
procured; procuring
1
: to get possession of
managed to procure tickets to the big game
2
: bring about, achieve
procured an audience with the pope
procurable adjective
procurement
-ˈkyu̇(ə)r-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

procure

transitive verb
pro·​cure prə-ˈkyu̇r How to pronounce procure (audio)
procured; procuring
: to obtain, induce, or cause to take place
procurable adjective
procurer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on procure

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