formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce to or express in a formula
formulate the area of a rectangle
b
: to put into a systematized statement or expression
formulate long-term goals
c
: devise
formulate a policy
formulate a plan
2
a
: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures
b
: to prepare according to a formula
formulate the vaccine against malaria
formulator noun

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The group is aimed at positioning Disney as a leader in formulating industry best practices. Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 Dishwashers are designed specifically for dishwasher detergent, which is formulated to be low-sudsing. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 This lash serum is formulated with a ton of vitamins, peptides, and other nourishing ingredients. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 Every product is formulated with their exclusive Commence Complex, a blend of alfalfa extract to support hair growth, quinoa peptides to add volume, acai stem cells for antioxidants that provide anti-aging perks and a Lactobacillus ferment, bio-fermentation technology that calms the scalp. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formulate 

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near formulate

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
1
: to express in a formula
2
: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly
formulate a plan
formulation
ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən
noun
formulator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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