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
The next year, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which led to another procedure in September 2005.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The office said the procedures billed to MassHealth were actually performed when Gabriel was not a licensed dentist.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Medical care Under Grove’s proposal, parents would have to give consent for their child to receive a surgical procedure, medical or mental health exam and mental health treatment.
—Meghan O’Brien, States Newsroom, 18 Feb. 2026
Each university was required to set up a procedure for employees and students to submit complaints about an employee's classroom speech.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for procedure
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Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The office said the procedures billed to MassHealth were actually performed when Gabriel was not a licensed dentist.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Medical care Under Grove’s proposal, parents would have to give consent for their child to receive a surgical procedure, medical or mental health exam and mental health treatment.
—Meghan O’Brien, States Newsroom, 18 Feb. 2026
Each university was required to set up a procedure for employees and students to submit complaints about an employee's classroom speech.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 18 Feb. 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 19 Feb. 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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