1
: the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)
2
: general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)
3
: a method of organizing data (as for storage)
various file formats
formatted; formatting
1
: to arrange (something, such as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format
2
: to prepare (something, such as a computer disk) for storing data in a particular format
formatter
noun
Examples of format in a Sentence
Noun
The journals are available in electronic format.
The file is saved in MP3 format.
Verb
The book is formatted in several different styles.
The data was improperly formatted.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
The month-long format is meant to serve as a sustained platform to counteract the volatility surrounding the fair.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Lord, Miller, Persichetti and Thompson introduced the clip of some early footage from the beginning of the movie, still rough, formatted for PLF for the first time.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for format
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The sensor format offers a solid upgrade in picture quality versus cameras with smaller sensors, and is a good option for discerning photographers who want something better than entry-level but don't want to carry a larger interchangeable lens mirrorless system.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
The month-long format is meant to serve as a sustained platform to counteract the volatility surrounding the fair.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Initially available in a 16mm version for motion pictures, Kodachrome formats for 35mm slides and 8mm home movies followed.
—Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Lord, Miller, Persichetti and Thompson introduced the clip of some early footage from the beginning of the movie, still rough, formatted for PLF for the first time.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for format
Cite this Entry
“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/format. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
format
1 of 2 noun
for·mat
ˈfȯ(ə)r-ˌmat 
1
: the general organization or arrangement of something
2
: a method of organizing data (as for storage)
a file format
format
2 of 2 verb
formatted; formatting
1
: to produce in a particular format
2
: to prepare for storing computer data
format the disk
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
