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

That unit includes the pharmacy benefits manager Caremark, which negotiates drug discounts with manufacturers on behalf of insurance plans, creates lists of medications, or formularies, that are covered by insurance, and reimburses pharmacies for prescriptions. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 6 May 2026

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, design drug formularies, negotiate with manufacturers over how much their insurer clients will pay for drugs and determine what patients must shell out at the pharmacy counter. —Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026

The bill proposes creating a comparative effectiveness review process for prescription drugs on the Medicaid formulary. —James Hart, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026

The agency also withdrew some of the most popular medications from the formulary and stopped paying premiums for Affordable Health Care plans in March. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 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