formulate

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce to or express in a formula
formulate the area of a rectangle
b
: to put into a systematized statement or expression
formulate long-term goals
c
: devise
formulate a policy
formulate a plan
2
a
: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures
b
: to prepare according to a formula
formulate the vaccine against malaria
formulator noun

Examples of formulate in a Sentence

a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Available in 18 shades, it’s formulated without parabens, gluten, or alcohol. Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 9 June 2025 Luckily, many of the best foundations out there have been formulated to not only deliver immaculate coverage, but also to prioritize skin’s health. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 June 2025 It’s formulated with sea kelp extract as its primary soothing ingredient and seawater to balance sebum levels, along with other botanical extracts known for calming properties (like neem leaf and holy basil). Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025 The Allure-editor favorite is formulated with conditioning ingredients like niacin (vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for formulate

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
1
: to express in a formula
2
: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly
formulate a plan
formulation
ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən
noun
formulator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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