1
a
: a regular course of procedure
The toddler sleeps better when we follow a bedtime routine.
… if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine.—J. A. Perkins
We keep a copy of all department memos as a matter of routine. [=as a standard procedure]
b
: habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure
the routine of factory work
2
: a reiterated speech or formula
… the old "After you" routine.—Ray Russell
3
: a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated
a dance routine
especially
: a theatrical number
4
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task
1
: of a commonplace or repetitious character : ordinary
routine problems
2
: of, relating to, or being in accordance with established procedure
routine business
3
a
: easily done according to a set way or method
It'll become more routine the more you do it.
b
: boring as a result of unvarying repetition
Data entry becomes routine very quickly.
Cite this Entry
“Routine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/routine. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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