routine
roo-TEEN
Routine (noun) means a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed. Example: “His morning routine includes a run and a cold shower.”
noun
1
A fixed sequence of actions regularly followed.
"His morning routine includes a run and a cold shower."
"The gymnast performed a flawless floor routine."
"Our bedtime routine is a bath, a story and then lights out."
adjective
1
Ordinary and expected; done as a matter of standard procedure.
"It was just a routine checkup, nothing to worry about."
"The mechanic said the repair was routine and would take about an hour."
"Airport staff carry out routine security checks on every bag."
How to use routine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA regular pattern of habits or steps, or something unremarkable and standard.
Common pairings
daily routine
routine checkup
exercise routine
break the routine
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Word forms
- Plural
- routines
- Comparative
- more routine
- Superlative
- most routine
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His morning _____ includes a run and a cold shower.
Etymology
Borrowed from French routine, itself built on route ("path"), reflecting the idea of following a well-worn course.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for routine
See all rhymes for routine →Frequently asked questions
What does “routine” mean?
The word “routine” means a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed. In plain terms, a regular pattern of habits or steps, or something unremarkable and standard.
How do you pronounce “routine”?
“Routine” is pronounced roo-TEEN (/ɹuˈtin/ in IPA).
How do you use “routine” in a sentence?
Here is “routine” used in a sentence: “His morning routine includes a run and a cold shower.”
What part of speech is “routine”?
Depending on how it is used, “routine” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “routine” come from?
The word “routine” comes from French. Borrowed from French routine, itself built on route ("path"), reflecting the idea of following a well-worn course.
Is “routine” a common word?
“Routine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “routine” have?
“Routine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed.
What is the difference between a routine and a habit?
A routine is a fixed sequence of actions regularly followed, and it is usually deliberate — like a morning routine of stretching, showering, and coffee. A habit is a single behaviour repeated so often it becomes automatic, often without thinking. Routines are typically built from several habits.
Is routine positive or negative?
The word itself is neutral, and context sets the tone. A "routine procedure" is reassuring because it is ordinary and expected, while calling a performance "routine" can be a criticism implying it was unremarkable, and being "stuck in a routine" suggests dull repetition.
What is the difference between routine and schedule?
A schedule lists when things will happen — times and dates. A routine is the fixed sequence of actions itself, regularly followed regardless of exact clock times. Your schedule might say "gym at 7 a.m."; your gym routine is the set of exercises you do there.
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