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 /

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

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Etymology

Origin of formula

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

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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

Why “strong sales alongside” inflation isn’t a good long-term formula for retailers.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

The DIY formula relies on taking advantage of the skills each performer has and using them to self-produce material to build a fan base, a concept that comedian Emmy Browning is putting into practice.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Botched executions have come under scrutiny over the past decade, since a shortage of the drugs used led some states to change the formula, or procure drugs from more questionable sources.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

It’s a formula that the Yankees hope will carry them to a title.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

“I could have made a mistake,” he said, “but we’ve been using that formula for years.”

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

GP2 and GP3, and their successors F2 and F3, are one-make formulae; everyone has to use the same chassis and engine.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

"We wanted to see whether the starting point of his formulae fit naturally into some physics," says Sinha.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 16, 2025

The Department for Education in England has said students in maths, physics, and combined science exams will be allowed to use formulae and equation sheets.

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2025

"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

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

Despite that, parts of millions of people’s paychecks were dutifully invested in them based on cookie-cutter formulas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

This is why I have come to appreciate what I think of as back-pocket formulas: reliable little systems you can make while your brain goes mostly offline.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

Physicists have spent decades trying to reproduce the process with mathematical equations, but deriving the necessary formulas proved exceptionally difficult.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

In a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of California renters, lawyers alleged that Conservice’s policy was to deny tenants the right to view specific bills or formulas used to calculate their individual charges.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

But form the plurals of others simply by adding s: curriculums; formulas; memorandums; stadiums.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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