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

He was released on procedural grounds in March while his insurrection trial continued, but detained again in July over concerns he might destroy evidence related to that case.

From Barron's

Not the pleasant hunger that follows exertion, but a hollowed-out, ambient kind, so constant it felt almost procedural.

From Salon

The signature requirement “wasn’t even part of the election code—it was a procedural rule,” according to Mr. Sinners.

From The Wall Street Journal

These orders are typically couched in procedural language that indicates they are merely temporary measures and don’t resolve core legal questions.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the first installment played with a more procedural format, this season ramps up the intricate plotting that culminates in world-changing events with Maomao at its center.

From Salon