formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce formal (audio)
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 tieJames Suckling
4
: having the appearance without the substance
formal Christians who go to church only at Easter
formally 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)

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
Holiday galas, formal festive dinners, and black-tie events call for a solid, classic dress watch. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 Beneath Shields’ bustline, the plain skirt flowed for a refined silhouette, harkening back to formal styles of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024
Noun
This personalized accessory boost their finery, whether for prom, graduation, or an upcoming college formal. Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024 Strain went missing after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal. Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for formal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of formal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near formal

Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

formal

1 of 2 adjective
for·​mal ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce formal (audio)
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on formal

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