format

/fˈɔːmæt/

/ˈfɔɹˌmæt/

[noun] [verb]

Format

[NOUN]

the general appearance of a publication

the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)

synonyms : data format

data formatting

formatting

the size and shape of a physical artwork, such as a painting, sculpture, or photograph

to format

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

(computing) to prepare a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB, for use by deleting all the data on it and setting it up for a specific file system

to arrange or organize something according to a particular structure or layout

synonyms : arrange

Examples

1. The meeting will take the format of a brainstorming session.

2. The essay needs to be formatted according to the MLA guidelines.

3. I need to format my external hard drive before transferring files to it.

4. It attempts to read a floppy disk without regard to its format.