formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən 
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
2
: something that is formed
new word formations
3
: the manner in which a thing is formed : structure
the peculiar formation of the heart
4
: a major kind of plant growth (such as forest, grassland, or tundra) characteristic of a broad ecological region
5
a
: any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock represented as a unit
b
: any sedimentary bed or consecutive series of beds sufficiently homogeneous or distinctive to be a unit
6
: an arrangement of a body or group of persons or things in some prescribed manner or for a particular purpose
flying in formation
Examples of formation in a Sentence
The book explains the formation of the planets.
The soldiers were marching in formation.
The team ran on the field and lined up in a punt formation.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to Esquire, the finale solidified Cassian's transformation from a cynical loner into a dedicated insurgent, setting up his role in the formation of the Rebel Alliance.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Those wildfires produce the sooty particles that contribute to particulate pollution, while extreme heat creates more favorable conditions for ozone formation, producing smog.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Loveland, at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, is an elite pass-catching tight end and the type of chess piece who can move all across the formation and still be dangerous.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
The Georgia safety had broken down plays and formations.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formation
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Those wildfires produce the sooty particles that contribute to particulate pollution, while extreme heat creates more favorable conditions for ozone formation, producing smog.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Loveland, at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, is an elite pass-catching tight end and the type of chess piece who can move all across the formation and still be dangerous.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
The Georgia safety had broken down plays and formations.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formation
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formation. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən
Medical Definition
formation
noun
for·ma·tion
fȯr-ˈmā-shən
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
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