formula

noun for·mu·la \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of formula

plural formulas or formulae play \ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlē, -ˌlī\

1 a : a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual

b : a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action

2 a (1) : recipe

The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal.

(2) : prescription

b : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant

3 a : a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbols

b : a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substance

c : a group of symbols (such as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (such as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) concisely

d : a combination of signs in a logical calculus

4 : a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality

All her books were written according to a familiar formula.

—

formulaic

play \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ik\ adjective

—

formulaically

play \ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ə-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See formula defined for English-language learners

See formula defined for kids

Examples of formula in a Sentence

His investment strategy is based on a simple formula.
This has proven to be a winning formula.
The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal.
The formula for water is H₂O.
infants drinking formula instead of their mother's milk

Recent Examples of formula from the Web

The better known is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), said to benefit brain structure and function and found in infant formula, baby food and prenatal vitamins.

— lynn brezosky, San Antonio Express-News, "Remote Texas algae farm grows a food for the future," 27 June 2018
Shiseido has brightening formulas, anti-aging lines, and special moisturizers for extra hydration.

— The Cut, "How to Get the Most Out of Your Serum," 13 July 2018
Texas has a winning formula: no corporate or personal tax, smart spending, rising gas prices and an almost unbelievable rate of job growth.

— francisca ortega, Houston Chronicle, "CNBC ranks Texas No. 1 for business, but offers residents a few warnings," 11 July 2018
With no baby inside, searchers followed a trail from the car of personal items that included baby formula, a diaper bag, children’s trivia cards, and eventually a baby carrier.

— jeff truesdell, PEOPLE.com, "Montana 'Miracle' Baby: Suspect Allegedly Buried Boy in Mountains Because He Was 'Very Heavy'," 11 July 2018
What the court actually ruled unconstitutional was the formula crafted by Congress in Section 4(b), which determines which jurisdictions fall under Section 5.

— matt ford, The New Republic, "How the Supreme Court Kills Roe v. Wade," 11 July 2018
She's been supported with diapers, wipes, formula, hygiene products and more.

— cortlynn stark, kansascity, "Mom almost called social services on herself. KCPD and its social workers stepped up," 10 July 2018
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups recommend exclusive breastfeeding — no commercial baby formula — for about the first six months.

— marie mccullough, Philly.com, "Why breastfeeding is best, despite that Trump administration uproar," 9 July 2018
Layer on all of the highlighter — like Wander Beauty's Catch The Light Highlighter and Glowtion Duo — which features a liquid formula, plus a cream-to-powder stick for maximum glow.

— karina hoshikawa, Teen Vogue, "Best Fourth of July 2018 Celebrity Beauty Instagrams," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'formula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of formula

Latin, diminutive of forma form

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1618

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

formula

adjective

Definition of formula

: of, relating to, or being an open-wheel open-cockpit rear-engine racing car conforming to prescribed specifications as to size, weight, and engine displacement

Origin and Etymology of formula

see ¹formula

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1951

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission

FORMULA Defined for English Language Learners

formula

noun

Definition of formula for English Language Learners

: a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something
: a list of the ingredients used for making something (such as a medicine or a drink)
mathematics : a general fact or rule expressed in letters and symbols

FORMULA Defined for Kids

formula

noun for·mu·la \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə \

Definition of formula for Students

1 : a direction giving amounts of the substances for the preparation of something (as a medicine)

2 : an established form or method

a formula for success

3 : a milk mixture or substitute for feeding a baby

4 : a general fact or rule expressed in symbols

We learned a formula for finding the size of an angle.

5 : an expression in symbols giving the makeup of a substance

The chemical formula for water is H₂O.

Medical Dictionary

formula

noun for·mu·la \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə \

medical Definition of formula

plural formulas or formulae play \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\

1 a : a recipe or prescription giving method and proportions of ingredients for the preparation of some material (as a medicine)

b : a milk mixture or substitute (as one containing soybean protein) for feeding an infant

2 : a symbolic expression showing the composition or constitution of a chemical substance and consisting of symbols for the elements present and subscripts to indicate the relative or total number of atoms present in a molecule