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

Noun

• arrangement
• configuration
• conformation
• formation
• layout
• setout
• setup

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

With the first intercollegiate college game (Rutgers v. Princeton, 1869) following on the heels of the Civil War, new and growing colleges alike adopted military-style music and band formats to amplify school spirit. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025

Note the topic, format, time posted, and engagement metrics. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Verb

Due to a formatting change spurred by conference realignment, the Razorbacks were controversially excluded from competing at the 2025 SEC Championships. —Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Ensure that your job titles are formatted consistently and reflect industry-standard terminology. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

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