format

1 of 2

noun

for·​mat ˈfȯr-ˌmat 

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

format

2 of 2

verb

formatted; formatting

transitive verb

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

Synonyms of format

Noun

• layout
• formation

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

Noun

Smartphone makers typically reserve this format for 50-megapixel sensors. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

Cryptocurrencies have gained a lot of traction recently, and part of what’s driving that is the fact that large-scale asset managers including BlackRock have expanded options for traders to invest in them, using equity-like formats, including ETFs. —Jill Schneider, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026

Verb

While recyclers also must clearly communicate their material specifications—such as fiber ratios, contamination thresholds and formatting needs—brands can, through design choices like standardized fiber blends and trim simplification, improve end-of-life recyclability. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 12 Jan. 2026

It’s formatted so that all but the championship game count in the regular season standings, and teams that don’t advance to the knockout round play non-tournament games to keep the schedules even. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or German; French, from German, from Latin formatus, past participle of formare to form, from forma

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing format

• pre-format

Rhymes for format

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids 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