formation

noun

for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

1

: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development

2

: something that is formed

new word formations

3

: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure

the peculiar formation of the heart

4

: a major kind of plant growth (such as forest, grassland, or tundra) characteristic of a broad ecological region

5

a

: any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock represented as a unit

b

: any sedimentary bed or consecutive series of beds sufficiently homogeneous or distinctive to be a unit

6

: an arrangement of a body or group of persons or things in some prescribed manner or for a particular purpose

flying in formation

Synonyms

• arrangement
• configuration
• conformation
• format
• layout
• setout
• setup

Examples of formation in a Sentence

The book explains the formation of the planets.

The soldiers were marching in formation.

The team ran on the field and lined up in a punt formation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Portuguese’s persistence with his preferred 3-4-3 formation will again be subject to debate after this result, but a more troubling issue can be found in his continued selection of Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as wing-backs. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025

Dipping the fresh-cut end in rooting hormone may also increase the rate of success, both to stimulate root formation and to discourage stem rot (some products contain a fungicide). —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025

There are potential ways of handling this—we've identified a number of signaling molecules that boost the formation of blood vessels. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025

High levels of sulfur dioxide are being released, leading to the formation of vog, which can cause respiratory issues for downwind communities, especially vulnerable individuals. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing formation

• back-formation
• break formation
• I formation
• punt formation
• reticular formation
• self-formation
• spread formation
• T formation

Kids Definition

formation

noun

for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a forming of something

2

: something formed

3

: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure, shape

4

: a bed of rocks or series of beds recognizable as a unit

5

: an arrangement or grouping of persons, ships, or airplanes

Medical Definition

formation

noun

for·​ma·​tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən 

1

: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development

2

: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure