form
1 of 4noun
ˈfȯrm 
plural forms
1
a
: the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material
the building's massive form
b
: a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face : figure
the female form
c
archaic : beauty
2
: the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter: such as
a
: idea sense 4c
b
: the component of a thing that determines its kind
3
a
: established method of expression or proceeding : procedure according to rule or rote
also : a standard or expectation based on past experience : precedent
true to form, the champions won again
b
: a prescribed and set order of words : formula
the form of the marriage service
4
: a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information
tax forms
5
a(1)
: conduct regulated by extraneous (see extraneous sense 1) controls (as of custom or etiquette) : ceremony
(2)
: show without substance
b
: manner or conduct as tested by a prescribed or accepted standard
rudeness is simply bad form
c
: manner or style of performing or accomplishing according to recognized standards of technique
a strong swimmer but weak on form
6
a
: the resting place or nest of a hare
b
: a long seat : bench
7
a
: a supporting frame model of the human figure or part (such as the torso) of the human figure usually used for displaying apparel
b
: a proportioned and often adjustable model for fitting clothes
c
: a mold in which concrete is placed to set
8
: the printing type or other matter arranged and secured in a chase ready for printing
9
a
: one of the different modes of existence, action, or manifestation of a particular thing or substance : kind
one form of respiratory disorder
a form of art
b
: a distinguishable group of organisms
c
: linguistic form
d
: one of the different aspects a word may take as a result of inflection or change of spelling or pronunciation
verbal forms
e
: a mathematical expression of a particular type
a bilinear form
a polynomial form
10
a(1)
: orderly method of arrangement (as in the presentation of ideas) : manner of coordinating elements (as of an artistic production or course of reasoning)
(2)
: a particular kind or instance of such arrangement
the sonnet is a poetical form
b
: pattern, schema
arguments of the same logical form
c
: the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art compare content sense 2c
d
: a visible and measurable unit defined by a contour : a bounded surface or volume
11
: a grade in a British school or in some American private schools
12
a(1)
: the past performance of a race horse
(2)
: racing form
b
: known ability to perform
a singer at the top of her form
c
: condition suitable for performing (as in athletic competition)
back on form
see also take form
form
2 of 4verb
formed; forming; forms
transitive verb
1
a
: to give a particular shape to : shape or mold into a certain state or after a particular model
form the dough into a ball
a state formed along republican lines
b
: to arrange themselves in
the dancers formed a line
c
: to model by instruction and discipline
a mind formed by classical education
2
: to give form or shape to : fashion, construct
She formed the dough into balls.
3
: to serve to make up or constitute : be an essential or basic element of
Bonds formed the bulk of his estate.
4
: develop, acquire
form a habit
5
: to arrange in order : draw up
The battalion was formed into squares for all-around defense.
6
a
: to assume an inflection so as to produce (a form, such as a tense)
forms the past in -ed
b
: to combine to make (a compound word)
"motor" and "cycle" form "motorcycle"
intransitive verb
1
: to become formed or shaped
A clot was forming over the cut.
2
: to take form : come into existence : arise
Storm clouds were forming over the hills.
3
: to take on a definite form, shape, or arrangement
the platoon formed in columns
formability
ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun formable
ˈfȯr-mə-bəl
adjective form-
3 of 4combining form
variants or formo-
: formic acid
formate
-form
4 of 4adjective combining form
: in the form or shape of : resembling
filiform
Synonyms
Noun
- cast
- configuration
- conformation
- fashion
- figure
- geometry
- shape
Verb
- crystallize
- crystalize
- jell
- shape (up)
- solidify
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun Coal is a form of carbon. a rare form of cancer a popular form of entertainment an ancient form of music the written form of the language a style of architecture that emphasizes form over function The shadowy forms of several people were visible through the smoke. Verb The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime. Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality. His ideas were not yet fully formed. The drug can help prevent blood clots from forming. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. A plan was gradually forming in my mind. A plan was gradually forming itself in my mind. An angry crowd was forming in the streets. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Staff WriterFollow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2023 The Sox enter this spring looking to return to the form that led to postseason berths in 2020 and ‘21. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 Given the flexibility and versatility of their offensive roster, the return to form of Fernando Tatis Jr. could help swing the entire season in a positive direction for San Diego. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2023 But her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, a former Major League Soccer player, was raised in a more mainstream evangelical home, and their relationship helped introduce her to a less punitive and restrictive form of faith. —Ruth Graham, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2023 The economist also used one of his favorite analogies to describe his fears of entrenched inflation, comparing the Fed’s interest rate hikes to a form of antibiotics for the economy, where the full prescription must be taken for the effects to last. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2023 The two sides are at odds as to whether the war exclusion, which has been in policies for decades, can be readily applied to a relatively new form of attack, one that is often the domain of criminal gangs or computer vandals, and not countries. —Richard Vanderford, WSJ, 8 Feb. 2023 Real and fictive kinship was central to this form of state building. —Sean T. Byrnes, The New Republic, 7 Feb. 2023 True to Carnival form, once the royals mounted their dais, Floral Headpiece shifted her gaze to the attendees. —al, 5 Feb. 2023 Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 15 Feb. 2023 Look for the Big Dipper, which is a group of seven bright stars that form a distinctive pattern resembling a ladle or dipper. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2023 While salicylic acid helps shed dead skin, coal tar slows the growth of diseased cells that form plaques on the skin—a double whammy for those looking for relief. —Lindsay Modglin, Health, 13 Feb. 2023 The first is a stock liner: these are non-moldable generic padding that will form to your foot. —Déjà Leonard, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023 The Mississippi House passed a controversial bill that would form a court system of unelected judges and prosecutors to preside over part of the majority-Black city of Jackson. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2023 Local health care stakeholders are trying to fill the gaps that will inevitably form as the public health emergencies conclude. —Dallas News, 6 Feb. 2023 And finally, the electrode has to manage a potentially complicated mix of lithium oxides and peroxides that can form during reactions with oxygen. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2023 The booklouse, which has not been found outdoors in Alaska, feeds on teensy bits of mold that form on formerly living things, including food. —Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023 See More
Noun
In 2020 and 2021, Reyes returned to form, posting a 3.23 ERA, 30 saves and 122 strikeouts in 84 total appearances, emerging as a key cog for a Cardinals team that made the postseason in each campaign. —Staff WriterFollow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2023 The Sox enter this spring looking to return to the form that led to postseason berths in 2020 and ‘21. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 Given the flexibility and versatility of their offensive roster, the return to form of Fernando Tatis Jr. could help swing the entire season in a positive direction for San Diego. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2023 But her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, a former Major League Soccer player, was raised in a more mainstream evangelical home, and their relationship helped introduce her to a less punitive and restrictive form of faith. —Ruth Graham, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2023 The economist also used one of his favorite analogies to describe his fears of entrenched inflation, comparing the Fed’s interest rate hikes to a form of antibiotics for the economy, where the full prescription must be taken for the effects to last. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2023 The two sides are at odds as to whether the war exclusion, which has been in policies for decades, can be readily applied to a relatively new form of attack, one that is often the domain of criminal gangs or computer vandals, and not countries. —Richard Vanderford, WSJ, 8 Feb. 2023 Real and fictive kinship was central to this form of state building. —Sean T. Byrnes, The New Republic, 7 Feb. 2023 True to Carnival form, once the royals mounted their dais, Floral Headpiece shifted her gaze to the attendees. —al, 5 Feb. 2023 Verb
New Zealand lies in the South Pacific Ocean, and is vulnerable to tropical cyclones that typically form in the north but can affect any part of the country in their path. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 15 Feb. 2023 Look for the Big Dipper, which is a group of seven bright stars that form a distinctive pattern resembling a ladle or dipper. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2023 While salicylic acid helps shed dead skin, coal tar slows the growth of diseased cells that form plaques on the skin—a double whammy for those looking for relief. —Lindsay Modglin, Health, 13 Feb. 2023 The first is a stock liner: these are non-moldable generic padding that will form to your foot. —Déjà Leonard, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023 The Mississippi House passed a controversial bill that would form a court system of unelected judges and prosecutors to preside over part of the majority-Black city of Jackson. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2023 Local health care stakeholders are trying to fill the gaps that will inevitably form as the public health emergencies conclude. —Dallas News, 6 Feb. 2023 And finally, the electrode has to manage a potentially complicated mix of lithium oxides and peroxides that can form during reactions with oxygen. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2023 The booklouse, which has not been found outdoors in Alaska, feeds on teensy bits of mold that form on formerly living things, including food. —Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English forme, from Anglo-French furme, forme, from Latin forma form, beauty
Combining form
formic
Adjective combining form
French & Latin; French -forme, from Latin -formis, from forma
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing form
Kids Definition
form
1 of 2 noun ˈfȯ(ə)rm
1
a
: the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material
b
: a body (as of a person) especially in its outward appearance or as distinguished from the face
2
a
: an established manner of doing or saying something
a form of worship
b
: a standard or expectation based on past experience
true to form, the champions won again
3
: a document with blank spaces for inserting information
a tax form
4
a
: conduct determined by custom : ceremony, convention
also : display without meaning
the usual forms upon being introduced
b
: manner of behaving according to recognized standards
it's bad form not to wait for your turn
5
: a long seat : bench
6
a
: a model of the human figure used for displaying clothes
b
: a mold in which concrete is placed to set
7
: one of the different varieties of a particular thing or substance
coal is a form of carbon
8
: any of the different pronunciations or spellings a word may take in inflection or compounding
9
: a special way of stating a mathematical expression
the number 2.5 can be written in fractional form as frac::5/2
10
a
: orderly method of arrangement
also : a kind or instance of such arrangement
painting is an art form
b
: the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art
11
: a surface or space enclosed by mathematical boundaries
12
: a grade in a British secondary school or in some American private schools
13
a
: ability as shown by past performance
b
: condition for performing
in top form
form
2 of 2 verb1
: to give form or shape to : fashion, make
form the letter A
2
: instruct sense 1, train
education forms the mind
3
: make up sense 2, constitute
a hat formed of straw
4
: develop sense 5, acquire
form a habit
5
: to arrange in order
form a line
6
: to take form : arise
fog forms in the valleys
7
: to take a definite form, shape, or arrangement
the customers formed in lines
former noun
Medical Definition
form
1 of 2 noun ˈfȯ(ə)rm
1
a
: the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material
b
: a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face
2
: a distinguishable group of organisms —used especially to avoid taxonomic implications
form
2 of 2 transitive verb : to give a particular shape to : shape or mold into a certain state or after a particular model
intransitive verb
: to become formed or shaped
a clot formed over the cut
Legal Definition
form
noun1
: the structure of something (as a document) as distinguished from its matter
a defect in form, not substance
2
: established procedure according to rule or practice see also form of action
3
: a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information
tax forms
form 1 of 2
noun
1
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance the wood-carver carved the block of wood into the form of a duck Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- shape
- geometry
- fashion
- configuration
- figure
- outline
- conformation
- cast
- silhouette
- framework
- contour
- shell
- frame
- design
- format
- pattern
- organization
- profile
- arrangement
- layout
- plan
- skeleton
- setup
- makeup
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- material
- substance
- matter
- composition
- stuff
- raw material
2
as in document
a piece of paper with information written or to be written on it I filled out all the forms for applying to the school Synonyms & Similar Words
- document
- paper
- sheet
- filing
- blank
- instrument
- writ
3
as in manner
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting it's bad form to throw a tantrum on the court just because you lost a tennis match Synonyms & Similar Words
- manner
- etiquette
- practice
- attitude
- mode
- habit
- posture
- demeanor
- proprieties
- politeness
- presence
- rules
- style
- mores
- bearing
- custom
- pattern
- convention
- protocol
- courtesy
- deportment
- civilities
- way
- pose
- air
- formalities
- mannerliness
- polish
- amenities
- decorum
- fashion
- practise
- trick
- pleasantries
- mien
- carriage
- poise
- wont
4
as in condition
a state of being or fitness after a long season off, the football team is back in good form Synonyms & Similar Words
- shape
- condition
- health
- order
- repair
- trim
- keeping
- practice
- estate
- nick
- phase
- kilter
- pass
- stage
- practise
- fettle
- situation
- status
- posture
- standing
- scene
- picture
- footing
- rank
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disorder
- disrepair
5
as in figure
a three-dimensional representation of the human body used especially for displaying clothes put the dress on the form to finish pinning it together Synonyms & Similar Words
- figure
- dummy
- doll
- mannequin
- mannikin
- manikin
6
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules we'll use the second form in our church missals for today's Lenten service Synonyms & Similar Words
- ritual
- ceremonial
- ceremony
- rite
- formality
- tradition
- observance
- celebration
- practice
- standard
- solemnity
- habit
- custom
- protocol
- graces
- way
- service
- civility
- etiquette
- convention
- manners
- decorum
- proprieties
- practise
- amenities
- mores
7
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior displayed good form throughout the formal dinner Synonyms & Similar Words
- etiquette
- fitness
- morality
- decency
- refinement
- propriety
- decorum
- courtesy
- dignity
- virtue
- politeness
- grace
- prudence
- civility
- decorousness
- mannerliness
- integrity
- gentility
- attentiveness
- honesty
- correctness
- politesse
- attention
- goodness
- appropriateness
- care
- graciousness
- honor
- seemliness
- discretion
- courteousness
- character
- gentilesse
- rightness
- correctitude
- straightness
- virtuousness
- righteousness
- carefulness
- probity
- uprightness
- rectitude
- high-mindedness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- impropriety
- coarseness
- vulgarity
- crudeness
- degradation
- evil
- indecency
- perversion
- discourtesy
- indecorum
- immorality
- incivility
- badness
- indiscretion
- degeneracy
- gracelessness
- wickedness
- imprudence
- dishonesty
- depravity
- impoliteness
- debauchery
- crookedness
- underhandedness
- unscrupulousness
8
as in method
the means or procedure for doing something there are established forms for voting on motions and amendments at meetings Synonyms & Similar Words
- method
- approach
- way
- strategy
- manner
- technique
- methodology
- system
- style
- how
- recipe
- process
- tactics
- fashion
- plan
- tack
- mode
- model
- blueprint
- program
- design
- practice
- route
- scheme
- line
- move
- policy
- layout
- routine
- shift
- step
- game
- practise
- game plan
- expedient
- ground plan
- plot
- intrigue
- modus operandi
9
as in physique
the type of body that a person has he has the big-boned form of a linebacker Synonyms & Similar Words
- shape
- physique
- frame
- build
- structure
- habit
- figure
- constitution
- anatomy
10
as in format
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged museumgoers liked the asymmetrical form of the mobile Synonyms & Similar Words
- format
- layout
- design
- composition
- pattern
- arrangement
- motif
- theme
- configuration
- makeup
- constellation
- ordonnance
- getup
form
2 of 2verb
1
as in to crystallize
to take on a definite form my ideas on the subject are just starting to form Synonyms & Similar Words
- crystallize
- solidify
- combine
- connect
- cohere
- crystalize
- join
- jell
- fuse
- coalesce
- shape (up)
- unite
- couple
- associate
- conjugate
- unify
- conjoin
- link (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- break down
- decay
- disintegrate
- decompose
2
as in to compose
to be all the substance of this one sentence really forms the basis of your argument Synonyms & Similar Words
- compose
- comprise
- constitute
- supplement
- complement
- complete
- make up
- incarnate
- integrate
- incorporate
- personify
- embody
- epitomize
- materialize
- substantiate
- fill (out)
- flesh (out)
3
as in to produce
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials formed the pot out of the clay Synonyms & Similar Words
- produce
- make
- manufacture
- create
- fashion
- frame
- construct
- shape
- structure
- build
- assemble
- craft
- fabricate
- put together
- organize
- design
- mold
- erect
- make up
- rear
- set up
- forge
- establish
- institute
- originate
- throw up
- picture
- knock out
- devise
- invent
- hew
- father
- put up
- raise
- handcraft
- throw up
- mint
- visualize
- concoct
- prefabricate
- envisage
- imagine
- remake
- patch (together)
- conceive
- contrive
- cobble (together or up)
- refashion
- remanufacture
- cook (up)
- think (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dismantle
- destroy
- eradicate
- break up
- abolish
- ruin
- flatten
- take apart
- annihilate
- smash
- extinguish
- disassemble
- exterminate
- demolish
- wreck
- shatter
- blow up
- explode
- pulverize
- devastate
- dismember
- raze
4
as in to originate
to come into existence the new company formed from two smaller ones Synonyms & Similar Words
- originate
- start
- appear
- arise
- begin
- be
- commence
- set in
- spring
- emerge
- materialize
- break
- exist
- dawn
- last
- arrive
- actualize
- engender
- live
- coalesce
- subsist
- survive
- cohere
- continue
- breathe
- endure
- persist
- come on
- shape (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- end
- stop
- cease
- finish
- terminate
- dissolve
- halt
- conclude
- disappear
- vanish
- discontinue
- evaporate
- quit
- die
- desist
- depart
- perish
- pass away
- expire
5
as in to develop
to come to have gradually I don't want you beginning skiers to form any bad habits Synonyms & Similar Words
- develop
- acquire
- cultivate
- gain
- obtain
- get
- adopt
- embrace
- achieve
- attain
- absorb
- reach
- promote
- take on
- foster
- nurture
- take in
- nourish
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lose
- desert
- abandon
- scrap
- reject
- cast
- forsake
- throw away
- dump
- ditch
- discard
- throw out
- shed
- unload
- jettison
- slough
- junk
- fling (off or away)
- sluff
- shuck (off)