procedure

[ pruh-see-jer ]

noun

1. an act or a manner of proceeding in any action or process; conduct.

   Synonyms: management

2. a particular course or mode of action.

   Synonyms: plan, method, operation

3. any given mode of conducting legal, parliamentary, or other business, especially litigation and judicial proceedings.
4. Computers.
   1. the sequence of actions or instructions to be followed in solving a problem or accomplishing a task.
   2. Also called subprogram. a group of statements that may be used at one or more points in a computer program.

procedure

/ prəˈsiːdʒə /

noun

1. a way of acting or progressing in a course of action, esp an established method
2. the established mode or form of conducting the business of a legislature, the enforcement of a legal right, etc
3. computing another name for subroutine

Derived Forms

• proˈcedurally, adverb
• proˈcedural, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of procedure¹

From the French word procédure, dating back to 1605–15. See proceed, -ure

Example Sentences

He got an arthroscopic procedure that shut him down for six weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

The diocese at the time said it was "appalled" and that proper procedures for filming had not been followed, the Associated Press reported.

From BBC

The inquest into her death concluded it had been caused by an "unnecessary medical procedure contributed to by neglect".

From BBC

He explained that not every type of patient responds to or needs the procedure.

From Science Daily

After an internal grievance procedure lodged by Letby was upheld in her favour, though, the way was paved for her to return to nursing.

From BBC

Related Words

• action
• agenda
• conduct
• form
• measure
• method
• move
• operation
• plan
• policy
• practice
• proceeding
• program
• scheme
• step
• strategy
• transaction

When To Use

What are other ways to say procedure?

A procedure is a particular course or mode of action. When should you use this noun over process or proceeding? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

More About Procedure

What does procedure mean?

A procedure is a particular way of doing something, especially one that is usually repeated in the same way each time.

This is how the word is used in the phrases standard procedure and follow procedure, as in It’s important to follow procedure in the event of an emergency.

The word procedure can also refer to a particular course of action, as in The instructions list all the steps of the procedure. This is especially used in professional and technical contexts.

In a legal context, the word refers to the specific way that proceedings need to be carried out according to the rules.

In a medical context, procedure is used as a synonym for operation, as in I’m having a minor procedure done tomorrow.

In computers and programming, a procedure is a series or instructions followed in order to complete some task, often as part of a program.

Example: This is not proper procedure! Who’s in charge here?

Where does procedure come from?

The first records of the word procedure come from the early 1600s. It comes from the French term procédure, which has the same meaning. It ultimately derives from the Latin verb prōcēdere, which means “to advance” and is also the basis of the verb proceed.

A procedure is a way of proceeding—a way of taking action or completing a task. The word often implies that there is a specific plan or set of rules that need to be followed in certain situations. This is especially implied in phrases like standard procedure or proper procedure.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to procedure? 

• procedural (adjective, noun)
• procedurally (adverb)

What are some synonyms for procedure?

• protocol
• process
• method
• operation
• plan

What are some words that share a root or word element with procedure? 

• proceed

What are some words that often get used in discussing procedure?

• proper
• standard
• follow
• medical
• surgical
• routine
• legal
• judicial
• computer
• action
• conduct

How is procedure used in real life?

The word procedure often implies that there is a very specific plan or set of rules to follow. For that reason, it’s often used in serious contexts. It’s also commonly used as another way of referring to a medical operation.

The procedure for Jan 6 isn’t entirely clear- there are diff interpretations so it appears it will be subject to the interpretation of whoever is in charge of determining procedure on that day. That should be the VP so we shall see.

— Fiery but Peaceful Empress (@JanieHsieh) January 4, 2021

Procedure for being unthanked for door holding:
1. Keep eyes fixed on culprit
2. Say “you're welcome”
3. Shake head
4. Mutter "unbelievable"
5. Watch as someone else walks through the door you’re still holding
6. Repeat

— VeryBritishProblems (@SoVeryBritish) November 4, 2018

It's a routine procedure and all going well, I expect to be fully recovered and back on my feet in time for my US True Tour.

— Tim Bergling (@Avicii) March 29, 2014

 

Try using procedure!

Which of the following actions is not a way of following procedure? 

A. sticking to the plan
B. following the instructions
C. winging it
D. taking the required steps