First Known Use: 1676
Dictionary
1routine
noun rou·tine \rü-ˈtēn\
: a regular way of doing things in a particular order
: a boring state or situation in which things are always done the same way
: a series of things (such as movements or jokes) that are repeated as part of a performance
Full Definition of ROUTINE
1
a : a regular course of procedure <if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine — J. A. Perkins> 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
See routine defined for English-language learners
See routine defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ROUTINE
French, from Middle French, from route traveled way
Rhymes with ROUTINE
Andine, arene, baleen, beguine, Benin, benzene, benzine, Bernstein, between, black bean, boreen, bovine, broad bean, buckbean, caffeine, canteen, carbine, careen, chlorine, chopine, chorine, citrine, codeine, colleen, convene, cotquean, cuisine, dasheen, dauphine, demean, demesne, dry-clean, dudeen, eighteen, Essene, e-zine, fanzine, fascine, fifteen, flavine, fluorine, fourteen, gamine, gangrene, glassine, gyrene, Hellene, hoatzin, horsebean, houseclean, khamsin, Ladin, lateen, latrine, Lublin, machine, malines, marine, moline, moreen, morphine, nankeen, naphthene, Nicene, nineteen, nongreen, obscene, offscreen, on-screen, patine, piscine, poteen, praline, preteen, pristine, propine, Rabin, ratteen, ravine, red bean, saline, saltine, Salween, sardine, sateen, scalene, serene, shagreen, shebeen, siren, Sistine, sixteen, Slovene, snap bean, soybean, spalpeen, string bean, strychnine, subteen, sunscreen, Szczecin, tacrine, takin, taurine, terrene, terrine, thirteen, Tolkien, tontine, tureen, umpteen, unclean, undine, unseen, vaccine, vitrine, wax bean, white bean, windscreen, yestreen, Yibin, zechin
2routine
adjective rou·tine \rü-ˈtēn, ˈrü-ˌ\
: done very often
: done or happening as a normal part of a job, situation, or process
: easily done according to a set way or method
Full Definition of ROUTINE
1
: of a commonplace or repetitious character : ordinary <routine problems>
2
: of, relating to, or being in accordance with established procedure <routine business>
— rou·tine·ly adverb
See routine defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROUTINE
1817
Related to ROUTINE
- Synonyms
- average, common, commonplace, cut-and-dried (also cut-and-dry), everyday, garden-variety, normal, prosaic, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, standard, standard-issue, unexceptional, unremarkable, usual, workaday
- Antonyms
- abnormal, exceptional, extraordinary, odd, out-of-the-way, strange, unusual
ROUTINE Defined for Kids
1routine
noun rou·tine \rü-ˈtēn\
Definition of ROUTINE for Kids
1
: a usual order and way of doing something <Taking a shower is part of my morning routine.>
2
: a series of things that are repeated as part of a performance <a dance routine>
2routine
adjective
Definition of ROUTINE for Kids
1
: done very often <routine surgery>
2
: done or happening in a standard or usual way <He went to the doctor for a routine checkup.>
— rou·tine·ly adverb
Learn More About ROUTINE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up routine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).