formula
noun
for·mu·la
| \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə
\
\
plural formulas
or formulae\ ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlē
, -ˌlī \
, -ˌlī \
Definition of formula
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a set form of words for use in a ceremony or ritual
b
: a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action
2a(1)
: recipe
The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal.
(2)
: prescription
b
: a milk mixture or substitute for feeding an infant
3a
: a general fact, rule, or principle expressed in usually mathematical symbols
b
: a symbolic expression of the chemical composition or constitution of a substance
c
: a group of symbols (such as letters and numbers) associated to express facts or data (such as the number and kinds of teeth in the jaw) concisely
d
: a combination of signs in a logical calculus
4
: a customary or set form or method allowing little room for originality
All her books were written according to a familiar formula.
formula
adjectiveDefinition of formula (Entry 2 of 2)
: of, relating to, or being an open-wheel open-cockpit rear-engine racing car conforming to prescribed specifications as to size, weight, and engine displacement
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Other Words from formula
Noun
formulaic
\ ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ik
\
adjective
\
adjective
formulaically
\ ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-ə-k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Examples of formula in a Sentence
Noun
His investment strategy is based on a simple formula. This has proven to be a winning formula. The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal. The formula for water is H2O. infants drinking formula instead of their mother's milk
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Coca-Cola changed their classic formula in order to compete with Pepsi. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "Here's Everything You Need to Know About New Coke from "Stranger Things"," 19 Aug. 2019 The Red Sox are trying to solve an equation for which their regular-season formula has been inadequate. — Alex Speier, BostonGlobe.com, "Is it time for Red Sox starters to become rovers again?," 16 Aug. 2019 The women reached their compensation formula under a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, requesting and receiving a guaranteed salary and benefits. — Liz Clarke, courant.com, "U.S. women’s team breaks off mediation talks in equal pay dispute with federation," 15 Aug. 2019 The women reached their compensation formula under a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, requesting and receiving a guaranteed salary and benefits. — Liz Clarke, The Denver Post, "USWNT breaks off mediation talks in equal pay dispute with U.S. Soccer Federation," 15 Aug. 2019 Coke has been more willing this year to experiment with its classic formula. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "A New Coke Flavor Is Coming to the U.S. Just in Time for the Holidays," 14 Aug. 2019 The arrival of makeup-melting warmer weather left me wondering if my full-coverage formulas had lulled me into a false state of security, the equivalent of a cosmetic Snapchat filter. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Base Jump: Laura Mercier’s New Tinted Moisturizers Will Make You Rethink Your Foundation Routine," 30 July 2019 My formula is so creamy and buildable and has a smooth satin finish. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian Covers Up ‘Major Sunburn’ on Cleavage Using Body Makeup: See Before & After Pics," 26 July 2019 After Instacart changed its formula earlier this year, some shoppers complained that their average compensation per job fell as a result. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "After outcry, DoorDash promises workers will get 100% of tips," 24 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'formula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for formula
formula
noun
English Language Learners Definition of formula
: a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something
: a list of the ingredients used for making something (such as a medicine or a drink)
mathematics
: a general fact or rule expressed in letters and symbols
See the full definition for formula in the English Language Learners Dictionary
formula
noun
for·mu·la
| \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə
\
\
Kids Definition of formula
1
: a direction giving amounts of the substances for the preparation of something (as a medicine)
2
: an established form or method
a formula for success
3
: a milk mixture or substitute for feeding a baby
4
: a general fact or rule expressed in symbols
We learned a formula for finding the size of an angle.
5
: an expression in symbols giving the makeup of a substance
The chemical formula for water is H2O.
formula
noun
for·mu·la
| \ ˈfȯr-myə-lə
\
\
plural formulas
or formulae\ -ˌlē
, -ˌlī
\
, -ˌlī
\
Medical Definition of formula
1a