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
formatted; formatting
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
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
John Archer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
In one significant change, the fest is launching a new format dedicated to showcasing film projects in the making.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Rooms are formatted with a bed facing a small patio looking out toward the mountains.
—Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
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Noun
The latest Select series will now include a mixture of HD, full HD and native 4K models, with support for the premium HDR10+ high dynamic range format and Dolby Audio available on the 4K sets, while the Select series range of sizes has been expanded to run all the way from 24- to 85-inches.
—John Archer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
In one significant change, the fest is launching a new format dedicated to showcasing film projects in the making.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Verb
Gemini got the information from the web, formatted it into a list, and placed that list into a text message that had Robert's number in it from my contact.
—PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Rooms are formatted with a bed facing a small patio looking out toward the mountains.
—Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
Cite this Entry
“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/format. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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