noun
formation
faw-MAYSHN
noun
1
The process of coming together or taking shape.
"The formation of the new company took over a year."
"Cloud formation depends on temperature and humidity."
2
A group of people, vehicles, or aircraft arranged in a particular pattern.
"The jets flew in tight formation over the stadium."
3
A layer or body of rock with a shared origin, studied in geology.
"The canyon walls reveal rock formations millions of years old."
How to Use Formation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the process of something taking shape, or a group arranged in a set pattern.
Common pairings
rock formation
in formation
formation of a plan
Word Forms
formations plural
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Etymology
From Latin formatio, "a shaping," from formare, "to form" — the same root behind "format" and "formula."