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
Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Standardized data formats provide the foundation for intelligent agents and ERP platforms to share and act on information effectively, which is essential for cross-enterprise collaboration in complex multi-tier supply chains.
—Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
ArsTechnica, 29 July 2025
How to find the right menu, format the right cell, write the right query.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 27 July 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
In an April 14 meeting with Dobie families, Segura told them that administrators had three options for the school: shut it down permanently, shut it down temporarily and reopen it in a new format, or partner with a charter organization to operate the campus.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Standardized data formats provide the foundation for intelligent agents and ERP platforms to share and act on information effectively, which is essential for cross-enterprise collaboration in complex multi-tier supply chains.
—Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
For instance, the online nature of memes can affect formatting.
—ArsTechnica, 29 July 2025
How to find the right menu, format the right cell, write the right query.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 27 July 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 2 Aug. 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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