1
: the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed)
2
: general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show)
3
: a method of organizing data (as for storage)
various file formats
formatted; formatting
1
: to arrange (something, such as material to be printed or stored data) in a particular format
2
: to prepare (something, such as a computer disk) for storing data in a particular format
formatter
noun
Examples of format in a Sentence
Noun
The journals are available in electronic format.
The file is saved in MP3 format.
Verb
The book is formatted in several different styles.
The data was improperly formatted.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
There’s a clear ebb and flow to each match, but the nature of the game’s format means that every bout is a long-simmering kettle that’s primed to boil over by the time the storm’s iris forces all survivors together in a face-off to the death.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
Chris Vannini, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Aside from the specificity, caveats, and elaboration unique to human conversations, many Redditors already format their responses in digestible lists.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
If ever the Three Lions had a chance to end a run of ten losses in 14 across the ODI format, Saturday was the day.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
There’s a clear ebb and flow to each match, but the nature of the game’s format means that every bout is a long-simmering kettle that’s primed to boil over by the time the storm’s iris forces all survivors together in a face-off to the death.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
What would be the most interesting way to format it, and who would win?
—Chris Vannini, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Aside from the specificity, caveats, and elaboration unique to human conversations, many Redditors already format their responses in digestible lists.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for format
Cite this Entry
“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/format. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
format
1 of 2 noun
for·mat
ˈfȯ(ə)r-ˌmat 
1
: the general organization or arrangement of something
2
: a method of organizing data (as for storage)
a file format
format
2 of 2 verb
formatted; formatting
1
: to produce in a particular format
2
: to prepare for storing computer data
format the disk
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