proceeding

[ pruh-see-ding ]

noun

1. a particular action or course or manner of action.
2. proceedings, a series of activities or events; happenings.
3. the act of a person or thing that proceeds:

   Our proceeding down the mountain was hindered by mud slides.

4. proceedings, a record of the doings or transactions of a fraternal, academic, etc., society.
5. proceedings, Law.
   1. the instituting or carrying on of an action at law.
   2. a legal step or measure:

      to institute proceedings against a person.

proceeding

/ prəˈsiːdɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or course of action
2. 1. the institution of a legal action
   2. any step taken in a legal action
3. plural the minutes of the meetings of a club, society, etc
4. plural legal action; litigation
5. plural the events of an occasion, meeting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceeding¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; proceed, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"It’s important to me and my assisting team… that you feel safe, you feel heard and you feel cared for throughout this proceeding."

From BBC

TGI Fridays has “secured a commitment for debtor-in-possession financing to support operations while proceeding through the Chapter 11 process,” the statement specified.

From Salon

California registrars contacted by The Times said that from their perspective, the November election was proceeding without major hiccups.

From Los Angeles Times

The report is not a legal proceeding, Sidoti explained, and commissioners did not seek to prove allegations “beyond reasonable doubt,” as in a court of law.

From Salon

By contrast, Santa Monica is proceeding more cautiously as it debates the value of the Games over the prospect of a financial loss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action
• course of action
• exercise
• experiment
• incident
• measure
• operation
• procedure
• process
• transaction

When To Use

What are other ways to say proceeding?

The noun proceeding refers to a particular course or manner of action. The plural proceedings refers to a series of activities or events, or to a record of the doings or transactions of a social club or academic society. Do you know when to use proceedings instead of procedure or process? Find out on Thesaurus.com.