Protocol — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprō-tə-ˌkȯl/ pro·to·col

Meaning & Definition of Protocol

Protocol (noun)

  1. a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations
  2. a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system
  3. usage or custom especially in social matters, convention

Protocol (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an accepted way of conducting oneself in a given situation

    "Their behavior was considered a breach of diplomatic protocol."

    similar: formality, rules, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, p's and q's, amenity, civility, courtesy, decorum, politeness, custom, habit, habitude, pattern, practice, trick, wont, convention, fashion, mode, style, actions, address, bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment, geste (archaic)

  2. a preestablished method of carrying out a task and especially a scientific or medical task

    "The school developed a protocol for the treatment of concussions on the sports field."

    similar: procedure, counterplan, counterstrategy, means, tactic, technique, way, conception, idea, projet, proposal, specific(s), specification(s), aim, intent, intention, purpose, diagram, formula, layout, map, pattern, platform, policy, recipe, setup, arrangement, blueprint, design, game, game plan, ground plan, master plan, plan, program, project, road map, scheme, strategy, system

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Protocol

The most common words with a similar meaning to Protocol:

Archaic: geste
formality, rules, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, p's and q's, amenity, civility, courtesy, decorum, politeness, custom, habit, habitude, pattern, practice, trick, wont, convention, fashion, mode, style, actions, address, bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment, procedure, counterplan, counterstrategy, means, tactic, technique, way, conception

Origin & Etymology of Protocol

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: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Protocol

Words & Phrases Containing Protocol

hypertext transfer protocol, Voice over Internet Protocol

Frequently Asked Questions about Protocol

What does "Protocol" mean?

"Protocol" means a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations. As a noun, it is defined as: a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Protocol"?

Other words for "Protocol" include formality, rules, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties and p's and q's. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Protocol" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Protocol"?

There are 72 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Protocol". Common alternatives include formality, rules, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, p's and q's, amenity and civility.

How do you use "Protocol" in a sentence?

Examples of "Protocol" in a sentence: "Their behavior was considered a breach of diplomatic protocol."; "The school developed a protocol for the treatment of concussions on the sports field.".

Is "Protocol" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Protocol" is a noun.

Is "Protocol" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Protocol" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Protocol"?

"Protocol" is pronounced /ˈprō-tə-ˌkȯl/ and divided into syllables as pro·to·col.

What is the origin of the word "Protocol"?

"Protocol" comes from 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: 15th century.