form / fôrm/ • n. 1. the visible shape or configuration of something: the form, color, and texture of the tree. ∎  arrangement of parts; shape: the entities underlying physical form. ∎  the body or shape of a person or thing: his eyes scanned her slender form. ∎  arrangement and style in literary or musical composition: these videos are a triumph of form over content. ∎  Philos. the essential nature of a species or thing, esp. (in Plato's thought) regarded as an abstract ideal that real things imitate or participate in.2. a mold, frame, or block in or on which something is shaped. ∎  a temporary structure for holding fresh concrete in shape while it sets.3. a particular way in which a thing exists or appears; a manifestation: her obsession has taken the form of compulsive exercise. ∎  any of the ways in which a word may be spelled, pronounced, or inflected: an adjectival rather than adverbial form. ∎  the structure of a word, phrase, sentence, or discourse: every distinction in meaning is associated with a distinction in form.4. a type or variety of something: sponsorship is a form of advertising. ∎  an artistic or literary genre. ∎  Bot. a taxonomic category that ranks below variety, which contains organisms differing from the typical kind in some trivial, frequently impermanent, character, e.g., a color variant. Compare with subspecies and variety.5. the customary or correct method or procedure; what is usually done: an excessive concern for legal form and precedent. ∎  a set order of words; a formula. ∎  a formality or item of mere ceremony: the outward forms of religion.6. a printed document with blank spaces for information to be inserted: an application form.7. chiefly Brit. a class or year in a school, usually given a specifying number: the fifth form.8. the state of an athlete or sports team with regard to their current standard of performance: illness has affected his form | they've been in good form this season. ∎  details of previous performances by a racehorse or greyhound: an interested bystander studying the form.9. variant spelling of forme. • v. [tr.] 1. bring together parts or combine to create (something): the company was formed in 1982. ∎  (form people/things into) organize people or things into (a group or body): peasants and miners were formed into a militia. ∎  go to make up or constitute: the precepts that form the basis of the book. ∎  [intr.] gradually appear or develop: a thick mist was forming all around. ∎  conceive (an idea or plan) in one's mind. ∎  enter into or contract (a relationship): the women would form supportive friendships. ∎  articulate (a word, speech sound, or other linguistic unit). ∎  construct (a new word) by derivation or inflection.2. make or fashion into a certain shape or form: form the dough into balls. ∎  [intr.] (form into) be made or fashioned into a certain shape or form: his strong features formed into a smile of pleasure. ∎  (be formed) have a specified shape: her body was slight and flawlessly formed. ∎  shape or develop by training or discipline. ∎  influence or shape (something abstract): the role of the news media in forming public opinion.PHRASES: in form (of an athlete or sports team) playing or performing well.off form (of an athlete or sports team) not playing or performing well.DERIVATIVES: form·a·bil·i·ty n. / ˌfôrməˈbilətē/ form·a·ble adj.