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¹form

noun \ˈfȯrm\

: a type or kind of something

: one of several or many different ways in which something is seen, experienced, or produced

: the shape of something

Full Definition of FORM

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 : figure

c archaic : beauty

: the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter: as

a : idea 1a

b : the component of a thing that determines its kind

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>

: a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information <tax forms>

a (1) : conduct regulated by extraneous 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>

a : the resting place or nest of a hare

b : a long seat : bench

a : a supporting frame model of the human figure or part (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

: the printing type or other matter arranged and secured in a chase ready for printing

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>

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 2c

d : a visible and measurable unit defined by a contour : a bounded surface or volume

: a grade in a British school or in some American private schools

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 form defined for English-language learners

See form defined for kids

Origin of FORM

Middle English forme, from Anglo-French furme, forme, from Latin forma form, beauty

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FORM

Synonyms: cast, configuration, conformation, fashion, figure, geometry, shape

Antonyms: impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Rhymes with FORM

corm, dorm, norm, storm, swarm, warm

²form

verb

: to cause (something) to have a particular shape or form

: to get, create, or develop (something) over a period of time

: to begin to exist or to be seen

Full Definition of FORM

transitive verb

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>

: to give form or shape to : fashion, construct

: to serve to make up or constitute : be an essential or basic element of

: develop, acquire <form a habit>

: to arrange in order : draw up

a : to assume an inflection so as to produce (as a tense) <forms the past in -ed>

b : to combine to make (a compound word)

intransitive verb

: to become formed or shaped

: to take form : come into existence : arise

: to take on a definite form, shape, or arrangement

— form·abil·i·ty \ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— form·able \ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

— form on

: to take up a formation next to

See form defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of FORM

13th century

Related to FORM

Synonyms: crystallize (also crystalize), jell, shape (up), solidify

Antonyms: cease, end, stop

FORM Defined for Kids

¹form

noun \ˈfȯrm\

Definition of FORM for Kids

: ¹sort 1, kind <Coal is one form of carbon.>

: the shape and structure of something <We saw the bear's huge form.>

: a printed sheet with blank spaces for information <Fill out the form.>

: a way of doing something <There are different forms of worship.>

: one of the different pronunciations, spellings, or inflections a word may have <The plural form of “lady” is “ladies.”>

: a mold in which concrete is placed to set

Word Root of FORM

The Latin word forma, meaning “form” or “shape,” gives us the root form. Words from the Latin forma have something to do with shape. The form of a person or thing is its shape. To conform is to fit in with others in form, shape, or manner. Something formal, such as dinner, follows a specific custom or form. The format of something, such as a book, is its general shape and arrangement.