formula

noun for·mu·la \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 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

That was the winning formula for Olympic Colonial in Wednesday’s first-round game of the 33rd annual Carpenter Cup Classic baseball tournament.

— phil anastasia, Philly.com, "Pitchers power Olympic Colonial to Carpenter Cup win," 13 June 2018
The Face-Brightener C15 Super Booster $39, Paula’s Choice $39 (was $49, now 20% off) This is the same formula as a much more expensive version from another brand, but save your coins and buy this one instead.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "Everything at Paula’s Choice Is on Sale Right Now," 13 June 2018
And owner Jerry Jones believes is the formula for great things to come.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "RB Ezekiel Elliott might be the top rusher and top pass target in Dak-friendly attack," 11 June 2018
The factors that contribute to depression can be numerous, Kroll said, and there is no single formula for happiness.

— marek mazurek and laney ruckstuhl, BostonGlobe.com, "Ring in spring with these delicious recipes and state-of-the-art appliances," 9 June 2018
Experts argue that though a combination of good genes and healthy lifestyles helps, there's no specific formula.

— emiko jozuka, CNN, "In the 'land of the immortals': Japan's centenarian pop band," 8 June 2018
Another popular retinoid, Differin, is a formerly prescription-only formula that is now available at a drugstore price point.

— karina hoshikawa, Teen Vogue, "Chin Acne: How to Cure and Prevent It," 1 June 2018
Though Bowen's long layoff likely reduces his chances of being one of the 60 players selected in the June 21 draft, depending on the NCAA to produce indisputable evidence or to establish a clear timetable is a formula for frustration.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "NCAA makes Brian Bowen seem a victim | Tim Sullivan," 30 May 2018
Making an artist's fans come to them is a formula that has worked well for Las Vegas residencies over the past decade.

— melinda sheckells, Billboard, "The Palms in Las Vegas Banks on Music, Art & A Nice View With $620M Renovation," 29 May 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