subroutine
noun
sub·rou·tine
ˈsəb-(ˌ)rü-ˌtēn 
: a subordinate routine
specifically
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly
Examples of subroutine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the second computer engineer hired at DEC, Bell worked on various components for the PDP-1 system, including floating-point subroutines, tape controllers, and a drum controller.
—
Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 21 May 2024
In computer programming, a subroutine call is a piece of code—a kind of shorthand—that tells a machine to initiate a whole suite of lower-level mechanical actions.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
The final subroutine handles transmitting update to the display via the TCA9548A I2C expander chip.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The primary function of the main loop is to call the subroutine that reads the rotary encoder.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The encoder subroutine tries to eliminate switch bounce and is also easily modifiable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The 68000 instruction set allowed Mr. Smith to embed subroutines in ROM.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
Consider this example of a subroutine.
—Andrew Hudson, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2022
For non-sentient AI, this might be a computational subroutine built into the AI by the human developers of the AI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 May 2022
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 21 May 2024
In computer programming, a subroutine call is a piece of code—a kind of shorthand—that tells a machine to initiate a whole suite of lower-level mechanical actions.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
The final subroutine handles transmitting update to the display via the TCA9548A I2C expander chip.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The primary function of the main loop is to call the subroutine that reads the rotary encoder.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The encoder subroutine tries to eliminate switch bounce and is also easily modifiable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024
The 68000 instruction set allowed Mr. Smith to embed subroutines in ROM.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
Consider this example of a subroutine.
—Andrew Hudson, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2022
For non-sentient AI, this might be a computational subroutine built into the AI by the human developers of the AI.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 May 2022
Dictionary Entries Near subroutine
Cite this Entry
“Subroutine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subroutine. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subroutine
noun
sub·rou·tine
ˌsəb-(ˌ)rü-ˈtēn
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share