Coming from the Greek prefix prōt - ("first") and the verb kollan ("to glue together"), prōtokollon gave us our word protocol. In its earliest uses in the 15th century, the word referred to a record of a document …

PROTOCOL definition: the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic formality, precedence, and etiquette. See examples of protocol used in a sentence.

Protocol has several different meanings, all connected to the idea of guidelines or procedures to follow. It is used mostly in formal or academic language. The most common meaning of protocol is “a …

PROTOCOL meaning: 1. the system of rules and acceptable behaviour used at official ceremonies and occasions: 2. a…. Learn more.

Protocol is most often used when talking about the rules of government or official agencies. It is derived from the French and refers to the correct rules of etiquette for diplomats.

Look up protocol in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A protocol is a written record of a treaty or agreement that has been made by two or more countries.

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun protocol, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

What is a protocol? | Network protocol definition In networking, a protocol is a standardized set of rules for formatting and processing data. Protocols enable computers to communicate with one another.

Feb 10, 2026 · protocol (countable and uncountable, plural protocols) (now chiefly historical) The minutes, or official record, of a negotiation or transaction; especially a document drawn up officially …