standard operating procedure

noun

: established or prescribed methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or in designated situations

called also standing operating procedure

Examples of standard operating procedure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Even then, the business often has to build its standard operating procedures around the software instead of the other way around. —

Garen Armstrong, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 On the surface, Crane’s silence surrounding the status of both Brown and Espada speaks volumes, but this is his standard operating procedure. —

Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2026 That’s been his standard operating procedure during his first two drafts with the Chargers after spending two-plus decades with the Ravens in a variety of roles. —

Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 The Porter County Commissioners enacted on April 1 a new standard operating procedure for its Porter County E-911 system. —

Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for standard operating procedure

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of standard operating procedure was in 1939

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Browse Nearby Words

standard of value

standard operating procedure

standard parallel

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Standard operating procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20operating%20procedure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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