formation

noun

for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce formation (audio)
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
2
: something that is formed
new word formations
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
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.
Directed by Chris Smith, Devo tracks the formation, rise, creative evolution, and cultural impact of the post-punk/New Wave/geek rock greats. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025 Utah claims three top parks, including Bryce Canyon (No. 21) and Arches National Parks (No. 24), with their stunning geological formations. Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 Niko Kovac changed the team’s formation, moving away from using wingers, meaning Gittens’ minutes on the pitch tended to occur in unfamiliar roles. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 7 July 2025 Everything in our solar system shares a common origin, but objects visiting from other systems are extremely rare portals to the formation of other worlds. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for formation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

formation

noun
for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce formation (audio)
1
: a forming of something
2
: something formed
3
: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure, shape
4
: a bed of rocks or series of beds recognizable as a unit
5
: an arrangement or grouping of persons, ships, or airplanes

Medical Definition

formation

noun
for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce formation (audio)
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
2
: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure

More from Merriam-Webster on formation

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