formulary

noun

for·​mu·​lary ˈfȯr-myə-ˌler-ē 

plural formularies

1

: a collection of prescribed forms (such as oaths or prayers)

2

: formula sense 1

3

: a book listing medicinal substances and formulas

formulary adjective

Examples of formulary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plan sponsors that adopt Caremark’s standard formulary can still opt out of covering GLP-1s for weight loss, so coverage of Lilly’s and Novo’s treatments isn’t guaranteed for all patients. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 May 2026

Being added to the formulary does not guarantee the drugs will be covered by every insurance plan, since employers often make the final decision about whether to pay for the medications. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 28 May 2026

The weight-loss drugs from Lilly and Novo will both appear as preferred medications on CVS Caremark's standard formularies, the list of prescription drugs insurers and employers can choose to cover. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 28 May 2026

The nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers — CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx — will now include Zepbound and Foundayo in their formularies, per Lilly. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 21 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formulary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Medical Definition

formulary

noun

for·​mu·​lary ˈfȯr-myə-ˌler-ē 

plural formularies

1

: a book containing a list of medicinal substances and formulas see national formulary

2

: an official list of generic and brand name pharmaceutical drugs designated by a health insurance provider as approved for coverage under the provider's pharmacy plan benefits