plural formats
1
: the form, design, or arrangement of something (such as a book, magazine, or television or radio program)
the book's large-print format
The radio station recently changed its format from jazz to classical. [=the radio station now plays classical music instead of jazz]
The journals are available in electronic format.
2
: the way in which information is stored on a computer disk
different file formats
The file is saved in MP3 format.
formats; formatted; formatting
1
: to arrange (something) in a particular format
The book is formatted in several different styles.
The data was improperly formatted.
2
: to prepare (a computer disk) so that it can store information in a particular format
format a floppy disk
Cite this Entry
“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/format. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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