proceeding

noun

pro·​ceed·​ing prō-ˈsē-diŋ How to pronounce proceeding (audio)
prə-
Synonyms of proceedingnext
1
: legal action
a divorce proceeding
2
: procedure
3
proceedings plural : events, happenings
4
: transaction
5
proceedings plural : an official record of things said or done

Synonyms of proceeding

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Examples of proceeding in a Sentence

The secretary kept a record of the proceedings at the meeting. She started the proceedings with a brief welcoming speech. The proceedings of the conference will be published.
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.
At the same time, the data shows, courts have severely cut the length of time many people are getting to prepare for complex immigration proceedings, from about six months to often just a little more than a month. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The company's clashes with unions date back years, with battles over employment status, arbitration proceedings, working conditions, and more rendering it a marquee villain in the eyes of labor advocates. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 On Friday afternoon, the FA and Chelsea confirmed that anti-doping disciplinary proceedings against the 25-year-old have been resolved. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Chantal Alejandra Morales Rojas was released on a $3,000 bond and will return home to Oakland with her family and friends while her immigration proceedings and federal habeas corpus petition continue through the courts, attorney Laura Lichter said. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proceeding

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proceeding was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing proceeding

Rhymes for proceeding

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Browse Nearby Words

proceed from
proceeding
proceeds
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Cite this Entry

“Proceeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proceeding. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proceeding

noun
pro·​ceed·​ing
1
: procedure sense 2a
2
plural : things that happen
kept an eye on the proceedings
3
: a legal action

Legal Definition

proceeding

noun
pro·​ceed·​ing
1
: a particular step or series of steps in the enforcement, adjudication, or administration of rights, remedies, laws, or regulations: as
a
: an action, hearing, trial, or application before the court
— collateral proceeding
: a proceeding that concerns an order, motion, petition, or writ deriving from or sought in relation to another proceeding (as a trial) a collateral proceeding on a motion to have the judge in a pending trial disqualified
especially : one in which a collateral attack on a judgment is made
sought to avoid the effect of the judgment in a collateral proceeding after denial of a direct appeal
— core proceeding
: a proceeding (as one instituted by a debtor against a creditor) that is integral to the administration of a bankruptcy estate and so falls under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court
— non-core proceeding
: a proceeding involving a matter that relates to a bankruptcy case but that does not arise under bankruptcy laws, that could be adjudicated in a state court, and over which a bankruptcy court has limited authority
— special proceeding
: a proceeding (as for condemnation or disbarment) that may be commenced independently of a pending action by petition or motion and from which a final order affecting a substantial right may be immediately appealed special proceedings created exclusively by statute where a special procedure is appropriate and warranted—Sosebee v. County Line Sch. Dist., 897 S.W.2d 556 (1995)
— summary proceeding
: a civil or criminal proceeding in the nature of a trial that is conducted without formalities (as indictment, pleadings, and usually a jury) for the speedy and peremptory disposition of a matter
— supplementary proceeding
: a proceeding to discover the assets of a judgment debtor
also : a proceeding that in some way supplements another
b
: a hearing conducted by an administrative body
c
: a criminal prosecution or investigation
2
plural : an official record of things done or said

More from Merriam-Webster on proceeding

Nglish: Translation of proceeding for Spanish Speakers

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