formulary

American  

[fawr-myuh-ler-ee] / ˈfɔr myəˌlɛr i /

noun

plural

formularies

1. a collection or system of formulas.

2. a set form of words; formula.

3. Pharmacology. a book listing pharmaceutical substances and formulas for making medicinal preparations.

4. a list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan.

   You can search the online drug formulary to see if your prescriptions are covered by the plan.

5. Ecclesiastical. a book containing prescribed forms used in the service of a church.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a formula or formulas.

   the formulary aspect of a science.

2. of the nature of a formula.

   He dispenses easy, formulary solutions to our problems.

formulary British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊlərɪ /

noun

1. a book or system of prescribed formulas, esp relating to religious procedure or doctrine

2. a formula

3. pharmacol a book containing a list of pharmaceutical products, with their formulas and means of preparation

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a formula

Etymology

Origin of formulary

1535–45; < Middle French formulaire; formula, -ary

Example Sentences

We need federal legislation that prohibits PBMs and their affiliated companies from collecting fees based on drug prices, volume of drugs sold, or placement on a formulary.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

This could happen when drug manufacturers give incentives to pharmacy-benefit managers—the middlemen between drug companies and insurance plans—to include the pricier drug in the formulary.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

The charity is campaigning for Xonvea to be included on all drug formulary to avoid issues with access.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Much like how YouTube TV offers a channel lineup, a pharmacy benefit manager like CVS Caremark offers a formulary of some—but not all—drugs covered by insurance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Two bishops protested against this edict; those of Pamiers and of Aleth, known by their opposition to the formulary of Alexander VII.

From The Power Of The Popes by Daunou, Pierre Claude Fran?ois