Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

formation

 
 
/fɔːˈmeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

DEVELOPMENT [U] the development of something into a particular thing or shape: the formation of a crystal
SHAPE [C, U] when something has a particular shape or things are arranged in a particular way: rock/cloud formations The planes flew overhead in formation (= in a pattern).
(Definition of formation noun from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

rain on sb's parade

to do something that spoils someone's plans

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More