format

[ fawr-mat ]

/ ˈfɔr mæt /

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See synonyms for: format / formats / formatting 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.

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Origin of format

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

OTHER WORDS FROM format

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.

Words nearby format

formal system, formalwear, Forman, form an opinion, formant, format, formate, formation, formation dance, formation rules, formative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use format in a sentence

Design a survey of up to 10 questions in a variety of formats along with some screening questions to make sure the feedback you get is actually useful.
How to drive digital innovation necessary during the pandemic|Nick Chasinov|September 16, 2020|Search Engine Watch
He’s taken a more uniform approach to acting in various formats over the years.
Christopher Plummer on his new series ‘Departure’ and acting in different formats|radmarya|September 16, 2020|Fortune
This format will live on, he said, but when safe, the studio will come back as well, as his team looks to increase the number of shows they produce.
‘Our goal is to become a massive marketplace’: NTWRK is bringing livestream commerce to a younger generation|Kayleigh Barber|September 14, 2020|Digiday
These are a mix of formats such as article links, videos and graphics.
How The Economist has tripled the number of subscribers driven by LinkedIn|Lucinda Southern|September 14, 2020|Digiday

We’re going to keep playing with this format, to see how much we like it, and how much you like it.
What if Your Company Had No Rules? (Bonus Episode)|Maria Konnikova|September 12, 2020|Freakonomics
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 History Channel has given up its documentary format to embrace reality shows about custom-built motorcycles.
‘Drunk History’: A Booze Cruise of Red, White, and Blood|Rich Goldstein|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Teams generally race in a relay format with one racer always on the road.
Pippa Middleton To Cycle Across America ... Starting Tomorrow|Tom Sykes|June 13, 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
Only one typographical error was noted in the conversion of the printed document to digital format.
A Synopsis of the American Bats of the Genus Pipistrellus|Walter W. Dalquest
Some mathematical and chemical formulas and equations were modified in format or rearranged.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
Sidenotes giving a running synopsis of the text have been kept as close as possible to their original format and location.
The Earliest Arithmetics in English|Anonymous
Additional Transcriber's Notes for corrections, e-text format and word variations, appear at the end of this e-text.
History of the Postage Stamps of the United States of America|John Kerr Tiffany
The cover image for this book was created for use with this electronic format and is released to the public domain.
Ponce de Leon|William Pilling

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

Scientific 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

Origin of format

OTHER WORDS FROM format

Words nearby format

Words related to format

How to use format in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for format

Word Origin for format

Scientific definitions for format