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
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
PepsiCo, home to 60 brand-name products including Lay’s, Doritos, Tostitos, Brisk, Aquafina, Cheetos, Mountain Dew and Ruffles, did not identify which specific snacks or formats will be discontinued.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
Fake sites often add extra words or change formatting to appear real.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
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Noun
Two years ago, when the competition was in its previous format of four-team groups, Newcastle also started their debut campaign with three straight defeats.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
PepsiCo, home to 60 brand-name products including Lay’s, Doritos, Tostitos, Brisk, Aquafina, Cheetos, Mountain Dew and Ruffles, did not identify which specific snacks or formats will be discontinued.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Competitors are judged on problem-solving under pressure — not formatting or style — and outside assistance is strictly prohibited.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
Fake sites often add extra words or change formatting to appear real.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 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 Dec. 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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