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
Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Garber stressed that despite the calendar change, the actual number of games moved is not much different, with 91% of games in the new format falling within the current MLS schedule footprint.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Participants are asked to create their models in Excel and they’re also expected to follow industry norms for formatting the models, including for areas like margin sizes and italicizing percentages.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
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Noun
The Graham Norton Show is known for its relaxed environment, boozy banter and unique format of bringing out all of its guests out at the same time for a wider and carefree conversation.
—Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Garber stressed that despite the calendar change, the actual number of games moved is not much different, with 91% of games in the new format falling within the current MLS schedule footprint.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Verb
Sheridan figured out how to format her book, made a cover for it and stuck it on Amazon.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Participants are asked to create their models in Excel and they’re also expected to follow industry norms for formatting the models, including for areas like margin sizes and italicizing percentages.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
Cite this Entry
“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/format. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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
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