formulary

noun

for·​mu·​lary ˈfȯr-myə-ˌler-ē 

plural formularies

1

: a collection of prescribed forms (such as oaths or prayers)

2

: formula sense 1

3

: a book listing medicinal substances and formulas

formulary adjective

Examples of formulary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Caremark negotiates drug discounts with manufacturers on behalf of insurance plans and creates lists of medications, or formularies, that are covered by insurance and reimburses pharmacies for prescriptions. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025

Rebates are payments from drug manufacturers to PBMs in exchange for moving market share toward preferred products on the formulary. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

First, pharmaceutical patents and market exclusivity rules have a significant impact on drug prices in the United States but less dramatic effects in countries with price controls and health providers that are willing to exclude expensive medicines from formularies. —Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 23 Mar. 2016

And that incentive might put the drug in a better position — or tier — on a formulary, which is the menu of drugs a health plan will pay for. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formulary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Medical Definition

formulary

noun

for·​mu·​lary ˈfȯr-myə-ˌler-ē 

plural formularies

1

: a book containing a list of medicinal substances and formulas see national formulary

2

: an official list of generic and brand name pharmaceutical drugs designated by a health insurance provider as approved for coverage under the provider's pharmacy plan benefits