format

[ fawr-mat ]

/ ˈfɔr mæt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR format ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the shape and size of a book as determined by the number of times the original sheet has been folded to form the leaves.Compare duodecimo, folio(def 2), octavo, quarto.

the general physical appearance of a book, magazine, or newspaper, such as the typeface, binding, quality of paper, margins, etc.

the organization, plan, style, or type of something: The format of the show allowed for topical and controversial gags.

Computers. the arrangement of data for computer input or output, such as the number and size of fields in a record or the spacing and punctuation of information in a report.

verb (used with object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

to plan or provide a format for: to format the annual telethon.

Computers.

to set the format of (input or output): Some word-processing programs format output in a variety of ways.
to prepare (a disk) for writing and reading.

verb (used without object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

to devise a format.

Nearby words

formally, formalwear, formamidase, forman, formant, format, formate, formatio, formation, formation dance, formation rules

Origin of format

1830–40; < French < Latin (liber) fōrmātus (a book) formed (in a certain way)

Related forms

for·mat·ter, nounpre·for·mat, verb (used with object), pre·for·mat·ted, pre·for·mat·ting.re·for·mat, verb, re·for·mat·ted, re·for·mat·ting.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for format

The format of quotations and snippets of songs and poems, made it easy to read, when reading anything longer was a challenge.
Book Bag: Reading Your Way Out Of Grief|Anna Whiston-Donaldson|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The letter is addressed to “FATHER ROBERT BERGDAHL-U.S.A.” following the format of ICRC messages.
Exclusive: Bergdahl Explains in Prison Letters Why He Vanished|Kimberly Dozier|June 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The purpose of the evening is clear enough in its format: The majority of the show is about song-and-dance numbers from musicals.
Hugh Jackman's Tony Jumping Fail, Plus the Winners and Standout Moments of Broadway's Biggest Night|Tim Teeman|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From the get-go, her admiration for the format she was shepherding back to network TV was evident.
Can Maya Rudolph Save the Variety Show?|Kevin Fallon|May 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

That was one of my earlier forays into the world of videos, and I got really excited by the format.
Hanging Out With the Minds Behind Google Doodles and Chrome Experiments|Douglas Wolk|May 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The format of an invitation is not so important as its taste.
How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters)|Mary Owens Crowther
It was changed to plain text to match the format of the rest of the text.
Uncle Sam|Albert Mathews
If the author is a classic, the format of the copy chosen should in some way represent the style of the author.
The Private Library|Arthur L. Humphreys
The format of this html text reproduces the design and layout of the original book as closely as possible.
Roister Doister|Nicholas Udall
Minor corrections to format and punctuation together with regularisation of poetry line numbering have been made without comment.
English and Scottish Ballads Volume VIII (of 8)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for format

format

/ (ˈfɔːmæt) /

noun

the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc

an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leafSee also duodecimo, quarto

style, plan, or arrangement, as of a television programme

computing

the defined arrangement of data encoded in a file or for example on magnetic disk or CD-ROM, essential for the correct recording and recovery of data on different devices
the arrangement of text on printed output or a display screen, or a coded description of such an arrangement

verb -mats, -matting or -matted (tr)

to arrange (a book, page, etc) into a specified format

Word Origin for format

C19: via French from German, from Latin liber formātus volume formed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for format

format

[ fôr′măt′ ]

Noun

The arrangement of data for storage or display.

Verb

To divide a disk into marked sectors so that it may store data.

To determine the arrangement of data for storage or display.

format

noun

verb (used with object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

verb (used without object), for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of format

Related forms

Examples from the Web for format

British Dictionary definitions for format

format

noun

verb -mats, -matting or -matted (tr)

Word Origin for format

Science definitions for format

format

Noun

Verb