format Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)
   data formatting; formatting; data format.
   
2. noun the general appearance of a publication
   
3. verb set (printed matter) into a specific format
   arrange.
   
   • Format this letter so it can be printed out
4. verb determine the arrangement of (data) for storage and display (in computer science)
   
5. verb divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data
   initialize; initialise.
   
   • Please format this disk before entering data!

WordNet