What does "formation" mean?

1. (the act of creating) the process of making or starting something, like a new company or a habit. 2. (military/flight arrangement) a specific pattern or shape made by a group of people, planes, or ships moving together. 3. (rock layer) a particular layer of rock or a natural shape in the ground. 4. (sports strategy) the way players are positioned on a field for a game. 5. (personal development) the process of training or shaping someone's character or skills.

How do you use "formation"?

Often used in the phrase 'in formation'.

formation

US //fɔɹˈmeɪʃən// UK //fɔːmˈeɪʃən// for·ma·tion

1 the act of creating (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the process of making or starting something, like a new company or a habit.

the act or process of assembling, creating, or developing a specific structure or entity.

Example

The formation of the new committee took several weeks of planning.

Example

The rapid formation of ice crystals on the wings necessitated an immediate return to the hangar for de-icing procedures.
- dissolution
- destruction
2 military/flight arrangement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a specific pattern or shape made by a group of people, planes, or ships moving together.

a formal arrangement of troops, ships, or aircraft, often maintained during movement for tactical advantage.

Example

The fighter jets flew in a perfect V formation over the stadium.

Example

The infantry maintained a tight defensive formation as they advanced across the open terrain, wary of potential ambushes.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'in formation'.

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3 rock layer (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Geology

a particular layer of rock or a natural shape in the ground.

a body of rock strata that consists of a certain lithologic type or combination of types.

Example

The tour guide pointed out the unusual rock formations in the cave.

Example

The sedimentary formation revealed distinct layers of limestone and shale, providing a clear timeline of the region's prehistoric environment.
- stratum
- layer
4 sports strategy (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

the way players are positioned on a field for a game.

the tactical arrangement of players on a field or court at the start of a play or match.

Example

The coach decided to change the team's formation for the second half.

Example

The manager opted for a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation, hoping to overwhelm the opponent's defensive line early in the match.
- lineup
- setup
5 personal development (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Academic Religion

the process of training or shaping someone's character or skills.

the process of influencing or guiding a person toward a deeper understanding of a vocation or spiritual path.

Example

The school focuses on the moral formation of its students.

Example

The seminary provides a rigorous program for the spiritual and intellectual formation of future clergy members.

Origin

From Middle English formacioun, formation, borrowed from Old French formacion, from Latin fōrmātiō, from fōrmō (“form”, verb); see form as verb. Morphologically form + -ation.