formula

American  

[fawr-myuh-luh] / ˈfɔr mjə lə /

noun

• formulas,
  plural
• formulae
  plural

1. a set form of words, as for stating or declaring something definitely or authoritatively, for indicating procedure to be followed, or for prescribed use on some ceremonial occasion.

2. any fixed or conventional method for doing something.

   His mystery stories were written according to a popular formula.

3. Mathematics.

   1. a rule or principle, frequently expressed in algebraic symbols.

   2. such a symbolic expression.

4. Chemistry. an expression of the constituents of a compound by symbols and figures.

5. a recipe or prescription.

   a new formula for currant wine.

6. a special nutritive mixture, especially of milk, sugar, and water, in prescribed proportions for feeding a baby.

7. a formal statement of religious doctrine.

8. (initial capital letter) a set of specifications as to weight, engine displacement, fuel capacity, etc., for defining a class of racing cars (usually followed by a limiting numerical designation).

   Some races are open to Formula One cars.

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formula British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊlə, ˌfɔːmjʊˈleɪɪk /

noun

1. an established form or set of words, as used in religious ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc

2. maths physics a general relationship, principle, or rule stated, often as an equation, in the form of symbols

3. chem a representation of molecules, radicals, ions, etc, expressed in the symbols of the atoms of their constituent elements See molecular formula empirical formula structural formula

4. 1. a method, pattern, or rule for doing or producing something, often one proved to be successful

   2. ( as modifier )

      formula fiction

5. 1. a prescription for making up a medicine, baby's food, etc

   2. a substance prepared according to such a prescription

6. motor racing the specific category in which a particular type of car competes, judged according to engine size, weight, and fuel capacity

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formula Scientific  

/ fôr′myə-lə /

• formulas
  plural

1. A set of symbols showing the composition of a chemical compound. A formula lists the elements contained within it and indicates the number of atoms of each element with a subscript numeral if the number is more than 1. For example, H ₂ O is the formula for water, where H ₂ indicates two atoms of hydrogen and O indicates one atom of oxygen.

2. A set of symbols expressing a mathematical rule or principle. For example, the formula for the area of a rectangle is a = lw, where a is the area, l the length, and w the width.

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Usage

Plural word for formula The plural form of formula can be either formulas or formulae, pronounced [ fawr-myuh-lee ]. Formulas is more widely used. The plural form of several other singular words ending in -a are formed in this way, such as camera/cameras, pajama/pajamas, and pizza/pizzas. Irregular plurals that are formed like formulae, such as larva/larvae or fauna/faunae, derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• formulaic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• formulae
  plural
• formulas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of formula

1575–85; < Latin: register, form, rule. See form, -ule

Explanation

A formula is generally a fixed pattern that is used to achieve consistent results. It might be made up of words, numbers, or ideas that work together to define a procedure to be followed for the desired outcome. Formulas, the patterns we follow in life, are used everywhere. In math or science, a formula might express a numeric or chemical equation; in cooking, a recipe is a formula. Baby formula is made up of the nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy growth, and the right formula for a fuel mixture is critical for a racing car's best performance. Everyone has their favorite formula for success. J. Paul Getty once gave his as "rise early, work hard, strike oil."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

formula formulae formulas

The formula can also change depending on what benefits the individual is applying for.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026

Its catch-up formula involves both state support and private-sector competition.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

By and large, this formula has not worked because studios demand accessibility, even from the artistes.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

It uses a formula to work out how much a parent should pay, depending on a range of factors including their income.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

In the kitchen, Bat opened the refrigerator as quietly as he could and retrieved the formula.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

The news is not dictated by straightforward formulae, it's driven by events and sentiment.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2025

The complex interactions of fluid and soft matter physics prove challenging to simplify into cut-and-dried formulae.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 16, 2024

"Negotiations are not just mathematical formulae but also personal relationships. And trust. Unfortunately, today we are losing a measure of trust in us," Podolyak said.

From Reuters ● Feb. 6, 2023

In mathematics, physics and combined science, pupils will be provided with a sheet containing formulae and equations, similar to last year.

From BBC ● Dec. 1, 2022

Manet started small, teaching me simple formulae of the sort required for twice-tough glass and heat funnels.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

"Resolving regional issues must be carried out away from formulas imposed from the outside. We know very well that solutions imported from abroad only bring disasters," he told the Saudi-owned newspaper.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

The goal is to use as much of that material as possible and develop magnet formulas tailored to the resources already available.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

What underpins this is a determination to tear up two formulas that have long formed the backbone of how UK governments allocate money.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Applying math, he found smarter ways to invest in bonds, leaving a legacy of insights and formulas that still inform financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

Whenever he stopped, thinking up formulas for what to say next, the people would all shout and thump each other and drink to the Shaper’s long life.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner