formation
noun
for·ma·tion fȯr-ˈmā-shən 
1
: an act of giving form or shape to something or of taking form : development
the formation of the planets
2
: something that is formed
new word formations
a rock formation
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
This kind of formation happens best through authentic relationships, which is why grandparents matter now more than ever. —
Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Early on, astronomers looked at optical light, specifically strong absorption lines from hot, young A-type stars, combined with a distinct lack of emission lines that signal active star formation. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Until recently the way these different elements interacted at the nanoscale during crack formation was a mystery. —Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026 Scientists say the surrounding ice-rich soil, known as the Yedoma formation, helped preserve the organism in a stable, frozen state for tens of thousands of years. —Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formation
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.
Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Early on, astronomers looked at optical light, specifically strong absorption lines from hot, young A-type stars, combined with a distinct lack of emission lines that signal active star formation. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Until recently the way these different elements interacted at the nanoscale during crack formation was a mystery. —Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026 Scientists say the surrounding ice-rich soil, known as the Yedoma formation, helped preserve the organism in a stable, frozen state for tens of thousands of years. —Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formation
Cite this Entry
“Formation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/formation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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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