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

PBMs decide which medicines are included on insurers' formularies, or lists of covered drugs. —Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The coverage change applies to CVS Caremark’s most common formulary template, which represents between 25 and 30 million individuals overall. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

The coverage change only applies to employer and union insurance plans that choose the standard formulary template, about one-third of the population Caremark covers. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 7 July 2025

With thousands of generic or biosimilar alternatives to expensive brand-name medications, deciding which drugs belong on an insurer’s formulary is a complex task that demands specialized expertise. —Robert Pearl, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formulary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

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