formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl 

1

a

: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing

formal cause

b

: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content

formal logic

a formal style of painting

a formal approach to comparative linguistics

2

a

: following or according with established form, custom, or rule

lacked formal schooling

a formal dinner party

formal attire

b

: done in due or lawful form

a formal contract

received formal recognition

3

a

: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical

very formal in all his dealings

b

: rigidly ceremonious : prim

the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie

—James Suckling

4

: having the appearance without the substance

formal Christians who go to church only at Easter

formally

ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

adverb

formalness noun

formal

2 of 3

noun

: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal

3 of 3

adjective (2)

: molar entry 3

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• ceremonial
• ceremonious
• conventional
• official
• regular

Noun

• dance
• prom
• celebration

Choose the Right Synonym for formal

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies

a ceremonial offering

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report

the headmaster's formal manner

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

a formal meeting of the board of directors

a formal contract that was legally binding

was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting

gave her a formal invitation to dinner

the dress code is formal for tonight's event

a shop that rents out formal wear

the formal language of the coronation ceremony

Noun

he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

About 30 community members gathered for the formal reopening of a community garden in El Quito Park in Saratoga on Monday afternoon. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025

The company has not yet filed formal plans with the city and now says that its plans could be at risk if the historic district is approved. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025

Noun

Guests are asked to adhere to a 'fashion formal' dress code, which encourages creative and bold attire. —Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025

To wit, there’s semi-formal, which is often conflated with cocktail dress codes, as well as beach formal, which is sometimes the rule for destination weddings. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1) and Noun

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

Adjective (2)

formula + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for formal

• formyl
• abnormal
• conformal
• informal
• lognormal
• nonformal
• subnormal
• orthonormal
• paranormal
• supernormal

Kids Definition

formal

1 of 2 adjective

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl 

1

: of, relating to, or being the form of something rather than content

2

a

: following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rule

a formal education

b

: relating to, suitable for, or being an event requiring elegant dress and manners

a formal ball

formal dress

3

: done in due or lawful form

a formal contract

formally

-mə-lē 

adverb

formalness noun

formal

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a dance) formal in nature

Legal Definition

formal

adjective

for·​mal

1

: relating to or involving outward form, structure, or arrangement rather than content

a formal defect in the pleadings

2

: requiring special or established solemnities or formalities especially in order to be effective or valid under the law

received formal notice

a formal criminal charge

3

: being such only as a matter of form : nominal

a formal party to a lawsuit