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

Before she left, Helen says she was given cash which, at the time, she thought was a normal severance procedure - now she thinks it was to keep her quiet.

From BBC

Susan Pollitt's inquest concluded her death at Royal Oldham Hospital in July 2023 had been caused by an "unnecessary medical procedure contributed to by neglect".

From BBC

He also made a 52-yard attempt in the third quarter, but the kick was nullified because of an illegal procedure penalty.

From Los Angeles Times

A smart Rams culture that rarely makes dumb mistakes committed six penalties for 64 yards, including an illegal procedure by lineman Beaux Limmer that cost them a field goal.

From Los Angeles Times

The Rams had the opportunity to cut the lead to one point on the first drive of the third quarter when Karty kicked an apparent 52-yard field goal but the play was nullified because of an illegal procedure penalty, and Karty’s 57-yard attempt was wide right.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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