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.

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

How to use format in a sentence

While nothing will replace meeting face-to-face, the virtual format allowed more people than ever the opportunity to participate while continuing the event’s tradition of empowerment and fostering community.
Equality Virginia TIES conference draws bigger crowd with virtual format|Parker Purifoy|October 23, 2020|Washington Blade
Some are very straightforward and available in clean and well-documented CSVs or other standard formats.
Leverage public data to improve content marketing outcomes|Walter Thompson|October 22, 2020|TechCrunch
Spotify, to be clear, refers to the show as a podcast, but the format actually splits the hosts’ talk-radio-like content from the individual music tracks.
Spotify takes on radio with its own daily morning show|Sarah Perez|October 22, 2020|TechCrunch
Now, product tags can be added to photo, video and carousel ad formats.
Facebook launches new Shopping audiences, Instagram Product Tag ads, tests Shops discounts|Ginny Marvin|October 21, 2020|Search Engine Land

AI can automatically detect web visitors’ visual requirements and their browsers, automatically delivering each image and video in the most efficient format, quality, and resolution.
Optimizing the browser long tail across platforms, devices, and countries|Sanjay Sarathy|October 19, 2020|Search Engine Watch

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 related to format

How to use format in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for format

Word Origin for format

Scientific definitions for format