# formation

/fɔɹˈmeɪʃən/ (US) · /fɔːmˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/formation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the act of creating

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The formation of the new committee took several weeks of planning.
- The rapid formation of ice crystals on the wings necessitated an immediate return to the hangar for de-icing procedures.

### 2. military/flight arrangement

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. rock layer

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The tour guide pointed out the unusual rock formations in the cave.
- The sedimentary formation revealed distinct layers of limestone and shale, providing a clear timeline of the region's prehistoric environment.

### 4. sports strategy

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The coach decided to change the team's formation for the second half.
- The manager opted for a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation, hoping to overwhelm the opponent's defensive line early in the match.

### 5. personal development

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

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

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

- The school focuses on the moral formation of its students.
- The seminary provides a rigorous program for the spiritual and intellectual formation of future clergy members.

## Examples

- The birds fly in a V formation.
- The coach changed the team's formation to a more defensive style for the final half of the match.
- Geologists spent months studying the rock formation to determine whether the layers were deposited by ancient river systems or volcanic activity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.