Definition of PROTOCOL (original) (raw)
1
: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction
2
a
: a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty
b
: the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators
3
a
: a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services)
b
: a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system
4
: a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure
Did you know?
In Late Greek, the word prōtokollon referred to the first sheet of a papyrus roll bearing the date of its manufacture. In some instances, it consisted of a flyleaf that was glued to the outside of a manuscript's case and provided a description of its contents. Coming from the Greek prefix _prōto_- ("first") and the noun kolla ("glue"), prōtokollon gave us our word protocol. In its earliest uses in the 15th century, the word referred to a prologue or preface and also to a record of a document or transaction. In the late 19th century, it began to be used in reference to the etiquette observed by the Head of State of France in ceremonies and relations with other dignitaries. This sense has since extended in meaning to cover any code of proper conduct.
Examples of protocol in a Sentence
Typically, those who make pronouncements like this assume (without saying so) that the tongues making up the multitude will belong to persons who are committed to the protocols of rational inquiry; frivolous persons, persons who exploit those protocols or play with them to gain political ends, are not imagined. —
Stanley Fish, Harper's, December 2005 Purcell even flouted the timeless protocol of pretending to admire the work of his fellow editors. —Tobias Wolff, Old School, 2003 Today, thanks to the civil-rights movement, white guilt is propriety—an utterly invisible code that defines decency in our culture with thousands of little protocols we no longer even think about. —Shelby Steele, Harper's, November 2002
The soldier's actions constitute a breach of military protocol. They did not follow the proper diplomatic protocols. What is the proper protocol for declining a job offer? the Geneva Protocol of 1925
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elon Musk and SpaceX Face Federal Reviews After Violations of Security Reporting Rules: The US government is reviewing whether Elon Musk and SpaceX have repeatedly ignored disclosure protocols protecting state secrets, like withholding information related to meetings with foreign leaders. —Makena Kelly, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024 The sooner government IDs embrace open protocols, the faster decentralized identity can address high-value applications. —Christian Catalini, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 The fellow flyer who witnessed the events pointed out anyone seated in the exit row must be able to assist in the event of an emergency Comments A plane passenger who demanded early boarding and then broke protocol once on board got a harsh reality check, according to a fellow flyer. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024 Autonomous agents can update data storage protocols as new privacy laws go into effect. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protocol 
Word History
Etymology
Middle French prothocole, from Medieval Latin protocollum, from Late Greek prōtokollon first sheet of a papyrus roll bearing date of manufacture, from Greek prōt- prot- + kollan to glue together, from kolla glue; perhaps akin to Middle Dutch helen to glue
First Known Use
1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of protocol was in 1541
Dictionary Entries Near protocol
Cite this Entry
“Protocol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protocol. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 23 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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