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format

layout / arrangement / data encoding / to arrange
Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: formatspast: formattedpp: formatteding: formatting

Countable when referring to a specific type of layout or file extension (e.g., different file formats). Uncountable when referring to the general concept of how something is arranged (e.g., the format of the show).

Meanings

Nounlayout

The general arrangement or layout of something.

The magazine has a glossy format.

Nounarrangement

The way in which information is encoded for storage in a computer.

The file was saved in a PDF format.

Transitive Verbdata encoding
[~ someone][~ something]

To arrange something in a particular way.

She needs to format the report before submitting it.

Transitive Verbto arrange
[~ something]

To prepare a computer disk for use by erasing all data and creating a file system.

I had to format the hard drive to remove the virus.

Phrasal Verbs

format out

to remove or exclude something by changing the layout or structure

The editor decided to format out the redundant sections to make the document more concise.

Related Words

Last Updated: July 6, 2026Report an Error