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

Helen Greatorex, head of format acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, said the format’s creator roots are key to its appeal. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025

The duo moved to a midday slot on weekdays in 1996, but this promotion was short-lived as WMVP dropped its all-sports format nine weeks later. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Verb

This essay offers a detailed exploration of a seemingly mundane topic — figuring out how to format a document for sharing film ideas with collaborators — that’s thoughtful and informative. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2025

According to the company, each closet feature will be formatted as a digital pop-up store on a weekly basis, selling 10 to 20 pieces per person. —James Manso, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 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