format

[ fawr-mat ]

noun

1. the shape and size of a book as determined by the number of times the original sheet has been folded to form the leaves. Compare duodecimo, folio ( def 2 ), octavo, quarto.
2. the general physical appearance of a book, magazine, or newspaper, such as the typeface, binding, quality of paper, margins, etc.
3. the organization, plan, style, or type of something:

   The format of the show allowed for topical and controversial gags.

4. Computers. the arrangement of data for computer input or output, such as the number and size of fields in a record or the spacing and punctuation of information in a report.

verb (used with object)

, for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

1. to plan or provide a format for:

   to format the annual telethon.

2. Computers.
   1. to set the format of (input or output):

      Some word-processing programs format output in a variety of ways.

   2. to prepare (a disk) for writing and reading.

verb (used without object)

, for·mat·ted, for·mat·ting.

1. to devise a format.

format

/ ˈfɔːmæt /

noun

1. the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc
2. an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leaf See also duodecimo quarto
3. style, plan, or arrangement, as of a television programme
4. computing
   1. the defined arrangement of data encoded in a file or for example on magnetic disk or CD-ROM, essential for the correct recording and recovery of data on different devices
   2. the arrangement of text on printed output or a display screen, or a coded description of such an arrangement

verb

1. to arrange (a book, page, etc) into a specified format

format

/ fôr′măt′ /

Noun

1. The arrangement of data for storage or display.

Verb

1. To divide a disk into marked sectors so that it may store data.
2. To determine the arrangement of data for storage or display.

Other Words From

• format·ter noun
• pre·format verb (used with object) preformatted preformatting
• re·format verb reformatted reformatting

Word History and Origins

Origin of format¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from French, from Latin (liber) fōrmātus “(book) shaped (in a specified way)”; formation ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of format¹

C19: via French from German, from Latin liber formātus volume formed

Example Sentences

“We’re positive about Michael Johnson’s format,” Buckner said.

From Los Angeles Times

With modern post-production, it’s super simple to alter 35-mill format.

From Los Angeles Times

What do you like about the trio format?

From Los Angeles Times

I think this format suits the theater more than anything else.

From Los Angeles Times

This was entertaining from the outset - the same inexperienced England squad looking far more comfortable in the shorter format.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrange
• construct
• lay out
• organize
• plan
• structure
• style