formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1

a

: to reduce to or express in a formula

formulate the area of a rectangle

b

: to put into a systematized statement or expression

formulate long-term goals

c

: devise

formulate a policy

formulate a plan

2

a

: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

b

: to prepare according to a formula

formulate the vaccine against malaria

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• articulate
• clothe
• couch
• express
• phrase
• put
• say
• state
• word

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery

Recent Examples on the Web

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as a stance was still being formulated. —Sam Mednick, TIME, 6 May 2024

Since the early 17th century, when Johannes Kepler formulated his laws, physicists and mathematicians have had a firm grasp on how to describe the motion of two bodies subject to gravity. —Leila Sloman, WIRED, 5 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing formulate

• pre-formulate

Kids Definition

formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt 

formulated; formulating

1

: to express in a formula

2

: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly

formulate a plan

formulation

ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən

noun

formulator

ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər 

noun