procedural

American  

[pruh-see-jer-uhl] / prəˈsi dʒər əl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a procedure or procedures, especially of a court of law, legislative body, or law enforcement agency.

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noun

1. police procedural.

Usage

What does procedural mean? Procedural is used to describe things that involve a specific procedure—a particular way of doing something, especially one that is usually repeated in the same way each time.The word procedural is especially used in the context of formal, official procedures, such as those used in government and law. A procedural vote is typically one that is simply part of the process to move forward to a full and final vote on a matter. A procedural agreement is a kind of contract that governs how a collective bargaining process will be carried out.Procedural can also be used as a noun to refer to a procedural drama—work of fiction, especially a TV show, that realistically portrays a kind of professional work. A common type of procedural is a police procedural. The popular show Law & Order is a procedural.Example: This meeting is solely to deal with procedural matters—the debate on the actual issues will come later.

Other Word Forms

• nonprocedural adjective
• procedurally adverb

Etymology

Origin of procedural

First recorded in 1885–90; procedure + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Perez faced questions about his credibility and a judge later overturned three of the convictions on procedural grounds, but prosecutors have said they found no evidence that Perez lied about police wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times

The back and forth over procedural matters “shows how difficult it will be to bridge the gaps on substance,” said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group.

From The Wall Street Journal

The House narrowly passed a procedural vote 217-to-215, advancing a deal to end the government shutdown, with a final vote expected later today.

From Barron's

The Senate breakthrough came only after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina lifted a procedural block that had stalled the package late Thursday.

From Barron's

“This is a normal procedural step we have seen in previous acquisitions that were ultimately approved,” Vena wrote in a Tuesday letter to employees.

From The Wall Street Journal