format

1 of 2

noun

for·​mat ˈfȯr-ˌmat 

1

: the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)

2

: general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)

3

: a method of organizing data (as for storage)

various file formats

format

2 of 2

verb

formatted; formatting

transitive verb

1

: to arrange (something, such as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format

2

: to prepare (something, such as a computer disk) for storing data in a particular format

formatter noun

Synonyms

Noun

• arrangement
• configuration
• conformation
• formation
• layout
• setout
• setup

Examples of format in a Sentence

Noun

The journals are available in electronic format.

The file is saved in MP3 format.

Verb

The book is formatted in several different styles.

The data was improperly formatted.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Musical series are rare in Spain, especially with such an ambitious format. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

Where most password managers include an option for exporting to CSV, F-Secure exports to a proprietary file format that’s only easily processed by another instance of F-Secure. —PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025

Verb

Once that idea has been refined, Leo generates a professional-grade patent draft, formatted and structured as an attorney would write it. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

Get the basics right Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors can instantly damage your credibility. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or German; French, from German, from Latin formatus, past participle of formare to form, from forma

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing format

• pre-format

Rhymes for format

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids Definition

format

1 of 2 noun

for·​mat ˈfȯ(ə)r-ˌmat 

1

: the general organization or arrangement of something

2

: a method of organizing data (as for storage)

a file format

format

2 of 2 verb

formatted; formatting

1

: to produce in a particular format

2

: to prepare for storing computer data

format the disk