Word
protocol
Phoneticspro·to·col, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹoʊtəˌkɑɫ/
UK/pɹˈəʊtəkˌɒl/
Definitions
01code of conduct
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the official rules for how people should behave at formal events or in government.
n. the system of rules and conventions governing correct etiquette and precedence between diplomatic representatives and heads of state.
“According to royal protocol, you must wait for the Queen to speak first.”
“The visiting dignitaries were careful to observe every nuance of diplomatic protocol to avoid any perceived slight during the summit.”
Synonyms
02scientific/medical procedure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical · Academic
n. a detailed plan or set of steps for a scientific experiment or medical treatment.
n. a formalised set of procedures to be followed in a clinical trial, medical treatment, or scientific experiment.
“The hospital has a strict protocol for cleaning surgical tools.”
“The research team strictly adhered to the experimental protocol to ensure that the results could be accurately replicated by other laboratories.”
03computing rules
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a set of rules that computers use to talk to each other and send information.
n. a standardised set of rules governing the format and transmission of data between devices in a network.
“HTTP is the protocol used for transferring data on the web.”
“The software update failed because the legacy hardware was incompatible with the new security protocol implemented by the server.”
04official agreement
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. a formal document that records an agreement between countries.
n. an official record of a diplomatic negotiation or an amendment to an international treaty.
“The two nations signed a new protocol to protect the environment.”
“The Kyoto Protocol established legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “protocol” in context.
Verb
01. adhere to the protocol
“All medical staff must strictly adhere to the protocol when handling hazardous materials.”
verb + prep + noun
02. breach the protocol
“The diplomat was recalled after he was found to have breached the protocol during the summit.”
verb + noun
03. establish a protocol
“The research team worked for months to establish a protocol for the new clinical trial.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. standard protocol
“It is standard protocol to check all passengers' identification before they board the aircraft.”
adj + noun
05. stringent protocol
“The laboratory maintains a stringent protocol to prevent any cross-contamination of samples.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. breach of protocol
“His failure to bow to the visiting monarch was seen as a serious breach of protocol.”
noun + of + noun
07. security protocol
“The bank updated its security protocol following a series of sophisticated cyberattacks.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. in accordance with protocol
“The flags were lowered to half-mast in accordance with protocol after the announcement.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Her Prevent case was closed while she was investigated by MI5, as is protocol at such a time.” “The sampling was conducted in public and private schools following a standardized international protocol to ensure comparability across countries.” “Seven of the dogs had previously participated in fMRI studies and were trained to sit still in a sphinx position during the scan; the new participant, Molly, underwent training using the same protocol.” “Until those protocols are developed, the default will often be to treat a standing wall as debris rather than a valuable building block for the future.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French protocolle, protocole (“document, record”), from Late Latin protocollum (“the first sheet of a volume (on which contents and errata were written)”), from Byzantine Greek πρωτόκολλον (prōtókollon, “first sheet glued onto a manuscript”), from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) + κόλλα (kólla, “glue”). Doublet of collage, collagen, and colloid.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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