formation 1. An ordered arrangement of troops and/or vehicles for a specific purpose. 2. An ordered arrangement of two or more ships, units, or aircraft proceeding together under a commander.
Definition of formation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
A formation is an arrangement of people or things. Planes flying in formation make a deliberate, specific pattern in the sky. Some formations are on purpose, or deliberate — like military troops marching in formation or a cheerleading squad arranging itself in formation.
Over a broad region, the color of a formation may change. (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
the manner in which a thing is formed; formal structure or arrangement: [countable] a formation of jet planes. [uncountable] planes flying in formation. Military development; creation; establishment:[uncountable] The Pilgrims' goal was the formation of a colony in the New World. See -form-.
