English Reference

Word

format

Phoneticsfor·mat, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɔɹˌmæt/

UK/fˈɔːmæt/

Definitions

01layout of a document

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic

n. the way text and pictures are arranged on a page or screen.

n. the physical or digital layout of a publication, document, or graphic interface.

“You need to change the format of the report to make it easier to read.”

“The editor requested a change in the document format to ensure the margins and font sizes complied with the university's thesis guidelines.”

Usage

Often used with 'standard', 'consistent', or 'prescribed'.

02digital file type

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical

n. the specific way a computer stores information, like a PDF or a JPEG.

n. the specific encoding or structure used to store data in a computer file.

“Please save your photo in a JPEG format before uploading it.”

“The software supports a wide variety of video formats, allowing users to export their projects for different devices without losing quality.”

Synonyms

file typeextension

03style of presentation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the general way an event, show, or meeting is organised.

n. the general organisation or mode of presentation of an event, broadcast, or artistic work.

“The new talk show has a very relaxed format.”

“The conference adopted a hybrid format, combining in-person keynote speeches with virtual breakout sessions for international participants.”

04to arrange a document

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

v. to change the way text looks on a page, like making it bold or changing the size.

v. to arrange or adjust the layout and appearance of text or data in a document.

“I spent an hour formatting the table so it would fit on one page.”

“The researcher carefully formatted the bibliography according to the latest style guide to avoid any technical errors in the final submission.”

05to prepare a disk

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical

v. to prepare a computer disk or drive so it can store new information, which usually deletes everything on it.

v. to prepare a storage medium for use by defining the structure for data storage, typically erasing existing content.

“You must format the new hard drive before you can save files to it.”

“The technician had to format the corrupted drive to restore its functionality, though this resulted in the loss of all unrecovered data.”

Usage

Usually takes a direct object representing a storage device.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “format” in context.

Verb

01. use format

“Please use the standard format when submitting your final report.”

verb + noun

Noun

02. format allow

“The new digital format allows for much higher video quality.”

noun + verb

03. format fit

Real-World Examples

“It’s a lovely format for improv: a special guest tells David Magidoff the story of some romantic (mis)adventure from their past, and Magidoff and pals turn it into an extemporised musical.”
The Guardian 20 Aug 2026
“Two years ago, the 31-year-old was banned for historical betting offences and rebuilt his career to become an England regular in all three formats.”
BBC News 23 Aug 2026

Etymology

Via French format and German Format, from New Latin liber fōrmātus (“book fashioned”), from fōrmō (“to shape, fashion”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

format(B2)

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/format

English Reference