procedure
pruh-SEE-juh
Procedure (noun) means an established way of carrying out a task, made up of a series of set steps. Example: “Follow the safety procedure before starting the machine.”
noun
1
An established way of carrying out a task, made up of a series of set steps.
"Follow the safety procedure before starting the machine."
"There is a standard procedure for handling customer complaints."
"The school has a clear procedure for reporting lost property."
2
A surgical operation.
"The dentist explained the procedure before removing the tooth."
"She felt nervous before the procedure but the surgeon reassured her."
"It is a routine procedure, and most patients go home the same day."
How to use procedure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe set steps you follow to get something done properly.
Common pairings
standard procedure
follow a procedure
surgical procedure
legal procedure
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Word forms
- Plural
- procedures
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Follow the safety _____ before starting the machine.
Etymology
From French procédure, ultimately from Latin procedere, "to go forward" — the same root as proceed.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for procedure
See all rhymes for procedure →Frequently asked questions
What does “procedure” mean?
The word “procedure” means an established way of carrying out a task, made up of a series of set steps. In plain terms, the set steps you follow to get something done properly.
How do you pronounce “procedure”?
“Procedure” is pronounced pruh-SEE-juh (/pɹəˈsi.d͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “procedure” in a sentence?
Here is “procedure” used in a sentence: “Follow the safety procedure before starting the machine.”
What is another word for “procedure”?
Words with a similar meaning to “procedure” include function, routine, sub, subroutine, method and operation.
What part of speech is “procedure”?
“Procedure” is a noun.
Where does the word “procedure” come from?
The word “procedure” comes from Latin. From French procédure, ultimately from Latin procedere, "to go forward" — the same root as proceed.
Is “procedure” a common word?
“Procedure” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “procedure” have?
“Procedure” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an established way of carrying out a task, made up of a series of set steps.
What is the difference between a procedure and a process?
A process is the overall flow that turns an input into an outcome, often spanning several stages. A procedure is the specific, ordered set of steps for carrying out one task within that flow. Put simply, a process describes what happens overall, while a procedure spells out exactly how a particular part is done.
What are the types of procedure?
The word covers many settings. There are administrative procedures for paperwork and approvals, operating procedures for running equipment safely, emergency procedures for fires or evacuations, and medical or surgical procedures performed by clinicians. Legal and parliamentary procedures govern how decisions are made. In each case, the common thread is a fixed sequence of steps.
What is an example of a procedure?
A fire evacuation is a familiar one: sound the alarm, stop work, leave by the nearest exit, and gather at the assembly point. Each step follows the last in a set order. Boarding a flight, resetting a password, or closing a shop at night all follow procedures too.
Why are procedures important?
Procedures make outcomes consistent, safe, and repeatable. By fixing the order of steps, they reduce mistakes, help newcomers learn quickly, and ensure a task is done the same way each time regardless of who performs it. In regulated fields like healthcare or aviation, following the correct procedure can be a matter of safety and compliance.
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