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

According to Netflix, its in-person experiential installations to date have reached 7.5 million people across 170 openings in 100 cities and 40 unique formats around the world. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

Critics have argued that this format favors a stellar playoff performance at the cost of consistent excellence throughout the year. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

Aside from the specificity, caveats, and elaboration unique to human conversations, many Redditors already format their responses in digestible lists. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025

De La Soul chronicled the process of formatting their music for the digital age in the documentary Chapter 3. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 10 Jan. 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

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