procedural

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsē-jə-rəl 

-ˈsēj-rəl

: of or relating to procedure

especially : of or relating to the procedure used by courts or other bodies administering substantive law

procedurally adverb

procedural

2 of 2

noun

: a realist crime novel, film, or television drama with a specific focus

a courtroom procedural

especially : police procedural

Examples of procedural in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Shin Ha-kyun’s deadpan performance as a supernaturally gifted corporate fraud investigator sets the tone for this unusual procedural, which follows an auditing team at the deeply corrupt JU Construction firm. —Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Lawyers who work with renters say that what may seem like a minor procedural change could make a big difference in allowing people to stay in their homes. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

The blue-sky procedural follows Detective Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti) and Max who are assigned by the Metro Police to join forces to solve crimes. —Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 16 Dec. 2024

The show reflects the current global penchant for procedurals. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1876, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing procedural

• police procedural
• procedural due process
• procedural face mask
• procedural mask

Medical Definition

procedural

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl 

: relating to or comprising memory or knowledge concerned with how to manipulate symbols, concepts, and rules to accomplish a task or solve a problem compare declarative

Legal Definition

procedural

adjective

pro·​ce·​dur·​al prə-ˈsē-jə-rəl 

: of or relating to procedure

sentence reversed as result of procedural error in sentencing

—National Law Journal

compare substantive

procedurally adverb