Formation

Meaning

The act of assembling a group or structure. [from 14th c.].

Definitions by Sense

1. The act of assembling a group or structure. [from 14th c.]
2. Something possessing structure or form. [from 17th c.]
3. The process during which something comes into being and gains its characteristics. [from 18th c.]
4. (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc. [from 18th c.]
5. (geology) A layer of rock of common origin. [from 19th c.]
6. (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
7. (sports) An arrangement of players designed to facilitate certain plays.
8. The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.

Example Sentences

Some cloud formation was confirmed and rainfall was observed over some islands.

Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change.

N'Golo Kanté embodies both sides of this, a player whose early scratchiness was soothed with glorious results in the new 3-4-3 formation, allowed simply to be his best, most wonderfully mobile, diligent, destructive self.

Word Forms

• formations

Synonyms for formation

Related Words

When Should You Use Formation?

Use formation when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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