format

noun

The layout of a publication or document.

(by extension) The form of presentation of something.

(radio) The type of programming that a radio station broadcasts; such as a certain genre of music, news, sports, talk, etc.

(computing) A file type.

verb

To create or edit the layout of a document.

Change a document so it will fit onto a different type of page.

(computing) To prepare a mass storage medium for initial use, erasing any existing data in the process.

Roots

formaform- · Latin · shape, form

Synonyms for format

layoutn

Synonyms & related words for format

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of format — including layout. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to format

Explore words related to format — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include reformat, bitmap, datatype, file, uncompressed, rasterize, diskette, microprint. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for format

Common synonyms for format include layout — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does format come from?

The word format breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root form-, from Latin forma (“shape, form”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.