formulary

American  

[fawr-myuh-ler-ee] / ˈfɔr myəˌlɛr i /

noun

plural

formularies

1. a collection or system of formulas.

2. a set form of words; formula.

3. Pharmacology. a book listing pharmaceutical substances and formulas for making medicinal preparations.

4. a list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan.

   You can search the online drug formulary to see if your prescriptions are covered by the plan.

5. Ecclesiastical. a book containing prescribed forms used in the service of a church.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a formula or formulas.

   the formulary aspect of a science.

2. of the nature of a formula.

   He dispenses easy, formulary solutions to our problems.

formulary British  

/ ˈfɔːmjʊlərɪ /

noun

1. a book or system of prescribed formulas, esp relating to religious procedure or doctrine

2. a formula

3. pharmacol a book containing a list of pharmaceutical products, with their formulas and means of preparation

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a formula

Etymology

Origin of formulary

1535–45; < Middle French formulaire; formula, -ary

Example Sentences

Just make sure that all the medications you take are on your plan’s formulary, the list of covered drugs, since the spending cap applies only to drugs on the coverage list.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

The charity is campaigning for Xonvea to be included on all drug formulary to avoid issues with access.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Much like how YouTube TV offers a channel lineup, a pharmacy benefit manager like CVS Caremark offers a formulary of some—but not all—drugs covered by insurance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

For example, Wegovy was added to the standard formulary for Medicare’s Part D prescription benefit after it received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in March for the treatment of heart attack risk.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2024

It is at once a firebrand and a formulary.

From Socialism and Democracy in Europe by Orth, Samuel P.