protocol is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

change
  • (US) IPA (key): /ˈproʊtəˌkɑl/ or /ˈproʊtəˌkɔl/ or /ˈproʊtəˌkoʊl/
  • (UK) IPA (key): /ˈprəʊtəˌkɒl/
  • (file)
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: pro‧to‧col

Singular
protocol

Plural
protocols

  1. (countable) A protocol is a rule, guideline, or document about how certain activities are done.
    I don't know the protocol for talking to the President.
  2. (countable) A protocol is a set of rules that describes how data is transmitted.
    To get the domain name from the domain name server, the other computer has to send the right protocol.