formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən 
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
the formation of the planets
2
: something that is formed
new word formations
a rock formation
3
: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure
the peculiar formation of the heart
4
: a major kind of plant growth (such as forest, grassland, or tundra) characteristic of a broad ecological region
5
a
: any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock represented as a unit
b
: any sedimentary bed or consecutive series of beds sufficiently homogeneous or distinctive to be a unit
6
: an arrangement of a body or group of persons or things in some prescribed manner or for a particular purpose
flying in formation
Examples of formation in a Sentence
The book explains the formation of the planets.
The soldiers were marching in formation.
The team ran on the field and lined up in a punt formation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Maresca played a 4-2-3-1 that night, and Brentford have employed a similar formation in their recent games.
—
Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit raised concerns about the formation of a monopoly — which the FCC 39% ownership cap was designed to prevent.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
This level of deterministic placement is a major step beyond conventional fabrication methods, which often rely on random defect formation and offer limited control.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
Bái Tử Long Bay has the same towering limestone islands and karst formations, caves, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, but with a quieter, more quaint and intimate feel.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
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Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit raised concerns about the formation of a monopoly — which the FCC 39% ownership cap was designed to prevent.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
This level of deterministic placement is a major step beyond conventional fabrication methods, which often rely on random defect formation and offer limited control.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
Bái Tử Long Bay has the same towering limestone islands and karst formations, caves, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, but with a quieter, more quaint and intimate feel.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formation
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən
Medical Definition
formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
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