/ ruːˈtiːn; NAmE / noun , adjective
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the normal order and way in which you regularly do things :
We are trying to get the baby into a routine for feeding and sleeping.
Make exercise a part of your daily routine .
We clean and repair the machines as a matter of routine .
2.
[ U ] ( disapproving ) a situation in which life is boring because things are always done in the same way :
She needed a break from routine .
3.
[ C ] a series of movements, jokes, etc. that are part of a performance :
a dance routine
4.
[ C ] ( computing ) a list of instructions that enable a computer to perform a particular task
■ adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
done or happening as a normal part of a particular job, situation or process :
routine enquiries / questions / tests
The fault was discovered during a routine check.
2.
not unusual or different in any way :
He died of a heart attack during a routine operation.
3.
( disapproving ) ordinary and boring
SYN dull , humdrum :
a routine job
This type of work rapidly becomes routine.
► rou·tine·ly adverb :
Visitors are routinely checked as they enter the building.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent. (denoting a regular course or procedure): from French , from route road, from Old French rute road, from Latin rupta (via) broken (way), feminine past participle of rumpere .