Definition of form
1 a
:the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material
- the building's massive form
b
:a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face :figure
- the female form
2
:the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter: such as
a
:idea 1a
b
:the component of a thing that determines its kind
3 a
:established method of expression or proceeding :procedure according to rule or rote;
also
:a standard or expectation based on past experience :precedent
- true to form, the champions won again
b
:a prescribed and set order of words :formula
- the form of the marriage service
4
:a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information
- tax forms
5 a (1)
:conduct regulated by extraneous (see extraneous 1) controls (as of custom or etiquette) :ceremony
(2)
:show without substance
b
:manner or conduct as tested by a prescribed or accepted standard
- rudeness is simply bad form
c
:manner or style of performing or accomplishing according to recognized standards of technique
- a strong swimmer but weak on form
6 a
:the resting place or nest of a hare
b
:a long seat :bench
7 a
:a supporting frame model of the human figure or part (such as the torso) of the human figure usually used for displaying apparel
b
:a proportioned and often adjustable model for fitting clothes
c
:a mold in which concrete is placed to set
8
:the printing type or other matter arranged and secured in a chase ready for printing
9 a
:one of the different modes of existence, action, or manifestation of a particular thing or substance :kind
- one form of respiratory disorder
- a form of art
b
:a distinguishable group of organisms
d
:one of the different aspects a word may take as a result of inflection or change of spelling or pronunciation
- verbal forms
e
:a mathematical expression of a particular type
- a bilinear form
- a polynomial form
10 a (1)
:orderly method of arrangement (as in the presentation of ideas) :manner of coordinating elements (as of an artistic production or course of reasoning)
(2)
:a particular kind or instance of such arrangement
- the sonnet is a poetical form
c
:the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art — compare content 2c
d
:a visible and measurable unit defined by a contour :a bounded surface or volume
11
:a grade in a British school or in some American private schools
12 a (1)
:the past performance of a race horse
(2)
:racing form
b
:known ability to perform
- a singer at the top of her form
c
:condition suitable for performing (as in athletic competition)
- back on form
