for·mal
ˈfȯr-məl 
1
a
: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing
formal cause
b
: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content
formal logic
a formal style of painting
a formal approach to comparative linguistics
2
a
: following or according with established form, custom, or rule
lacked formal schooling
a formal dinner party
formal attire
b
: done in due or lawful form
a formal contract
received formal recognition
3
a
: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical
very formal in all his dealings
b
: rigidly ceremonious : prim
the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie—
James Suckling
James Suckling4
: having the appearance without the substance
formal Christians who go to church only at Easter
formalness
noun
: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character
Synonyms
Examples of formal in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
a formal meeting of the board of directors
a formal contract that was legally binding
was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting
gave her a formal invitation to dinner
the dress code is formal for tonight's event
a shop that rents out formal wear
the formal language of the coronation ceremony
Noun
he asked her to the formal at the end of the year
Recent Examples on the Web
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
But if this had been a formal dinner, the coffee would have been served afterwards — and in china, not a witty mug.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024
Strain went missing after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for formal 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The company identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting due to a lack of segregation of duties and formal documentation.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
But if this had been a formal dinner, the coffee would have been served afterwards — and in china, not a witty mug.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
This personalized accessory boost their finery, whether for prom, graduation, or an upcoming college formal.
—Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024
Strain went missing after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for formal
Dictionary Entries Near formal
Cite this Entry
“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formal
1 of 2 adjective
for·mal
ˈfȯr-məl
1
: of, relating to, or being the form of something rather than content
2
a
: following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rule
a formal education
b
: relating to, suitable for, or being an event requiring elegant dress and manners
a formal ball
formal dress
3
: done in due or lawful form
a formal contract
formalness
noun
formal
2 of 2 noun
: something (as a dance) formal in nature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share