# formula

/ˈfɔɹmjəɫə/ (US) · /fˈɔːmjʊlɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. math/science rule

noun · CEFR B1 · Academic

a set of letters or numbers that state a mathematical or scientific rule.

For teachers: a mathematical rule or relationship expressed in symbols.

- The teacher asked the students to memorise the formula for the area of a circle.
- The physicist derived a new formula to describe the relationship between pressure and temperature in a vacuum.

Usage: Countable in most contexts; often takes the plural 'formulae' in technical writing.

### 2. method for success

noun · CEFR B2

a plan or method used to deal with a problem or to be successful.

For teachers: a conventionalised method or set of steps for achieving a specific outcome or solving a problem.

- The company found a winning formula for selling products to younger customers.
- Political analysts argue that the candidate's formula for victory relied heavily on mobilising rural voters through local town halls.

### 3. chemical composition

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a list of the chemicals or substances that make up a mixture.

For teachers: a symbolic representation of the chemical composition of a substance or the specific ingredients of a mixture.

- The chemical formula for water is H2O.
- The laboratory spent months refining the formula for the new adhesive to ensure it remained flexible at low temperatures.

### 4. baby milk

noun · CEFR B1

a special liquid food for babies that is used instead of mother's milk.

For teachers: a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age.

- She decided to feed her baby formula because she had to return to work.
- The paediatrician recommended a soy-based formula for the infant due to a suspected dairy allergy.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the substance in general.

### 5. fixed phrase

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

a set of words that people use in certain situations because it is the custom.

For teachers: a fixed form of words used in particular contexts, such as legal, religious, or social ceremonies.

- The wedding ceremony followed a traditional formula that has been used for centuries.
- The diplomat relied on a polite formula to decline the invitation without causing any international offence.

Teaching tip: In linguistics, this refers to 'formulaic language'—chunks of words that speakers use as a single unit.

## Examples

- The scientist used a secret formula to create the new medicine.
- The marketing team followed a proven formula to ensure the new product launch reached the widest possible audience.
- While the mathematical formula for calculating the area is straightforward, applying it to irregular geometric shapes requires a more sophisticated understanding of calculus.

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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.