police procedural
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of police procedural
First recorded in 1965–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“An Eye for an Eye” isn’t a police procedural, and a generous portion of the narrative is occupied by Ms. Jabarzadegan, an “anti-execution” activist who seems to find this case especially intractable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
A police procedural about Dutton family son Kayce Dutton, a character who now works as an investigator, “Marshals” premiered on CBS in March, having been produced by Sheridan but written by someone else.
From MarketWatch ● May 5, 2026
His novels can be slotted into some mystery/thriller subcategories — “Blacktop Wasteland” is a heist novel, “Razorblade Tears” a revenge thriller, “All the Sinners Bleed” a police procedural.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2026
Claudia seeks the truth in a story that combines forensic puzzle, legal thriller and police procedural.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025
“I think he’s right,” says Squibb, who loves police procedural shows and has several bookshelves filled with Scandinavian crime novels.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2024
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
