Definitions for the word "form" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A suffix used to denote in the form / shape of, resembling, etc.; as, valiform; oviform.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The shape and structure of anything, as distinguished from the material of which it is composed; particular disposition or arrangement of matter, giving it individuality or distinctive character; configuration; figure; external appearance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Constitution; mode of construction, organization, etc.; system; as, a republican form of government.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Established method of expression or practice; fixed way of proceeding; conventional or stated scheme; formula; as, a form of prayer.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
Show without substance; empty, outside appearance; vain, trivial, or conventional ceremony; conventionality; formality; as, a matter of mere form.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
Orderly arrangement; shapeliness; also, comeliness; elegance; beauty.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A shape; an image; a phantom.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
That by which shape is given or determined; mold; pattern; model.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A long seat; a bench; hence, a rank of students in a school; a class; also, a class or rank in society.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
The seat or bed of a hare.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
The type or other matter from which an impression is to be taken, arranged and secured in a chase.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
The boundary line of a material object. In painting, more generally, the human body.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
The particular shape or structure of a word or part of speech; as, participial forms; verbal forms.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
The combination of planes included under a general crystallographic symbol. It is not necessarily a closed solid.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
That assemblage or disposition of qualities which makes a conception, or that internal constitution which makes an existing thing to be what it is; -- called essential or substantial form, and contradistinguished from matter; hence, active or formative nature; law of being or activity; subjectively viewed, an idea; objectively, a law.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
Mode of acting or manifestation to the senses, or the intellect; as, water assumes the form of ice or snow. In modern usage, the elements of a conception furnished by the mind's own activity, as contrasted with its object or condition, which is called the matter; subjectively, a mode of apprehension or belief conceived as dependent on the constitution of the mind; objectively, universal and necessary accompaniments or elements of every object known or thought of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
The peculiar characteristics of an organism as a type of others; also, the structure of the parts of an animal or plant.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
To give form or shape to; to frame; to construct; to make; to fashion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
To give a particular shape to; to shape, mold, or fashion into a certain state or condition; to arrange; to adjust; also, to model by instruction and discipline; to mold by influence, etc.; to train.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. n.
To go to make up; to act as constituent of; to be the essential or constitutive elements of; to answer for; to make the shape of; -- said of that out of which anything is formed or constituted, in whole or in part.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. n.
To provide with a form, as a hare. See Form, n., 9.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. n.
To derive by grammatical rules, as by adding the proper suffixes and affixes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. v. i.
To take a form, definite shape, or arrangement; as, the infantry should form in column.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. v. i.
To run to a form, as a hare.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. n.
1 shape; arrangement of parts; visible aspect. 2 person or animal as visible or tangible. 3 mode of existence or manifestation. 4 kind or variety (a form of art). 5 printed document with blank spaces for information to be inserted. 6 class in a school. 7 customary method. 8 set order of words. 9 etiquette or specified adherence to it (good or bad form). 10 (prec. By the) correct procedure (knows the form). 11 a (of an athlete, horse, etc.) Condition of health and training. B racing history of a horse etc. 12 state or disposition (in great form). 13 any of the spellings, inflections, etc. Of a word. 14 arrangement and style in a literary or musical composition. 15 long low bench. 16 hare''s lair. v. 1 make or be made (formed a straight line; puddles formed). 2 make up or constitute. 3 develop or establish as a concept, institution, or practice (form an idea; form a habit). 4 (foll. By into) mould or organize to become (formed ourselves into a circle). 5 (often foll. By up) (of troops etc.) Bring or move into formation. 6 train or instruct. off form not playing or performing well. On form playing or performing well. Out of form not fit for racing etc. [latin forma]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
26. comb.
Form (usu. As -iform) forming adjectives meaning: 1 having the form of (cruciform). 2 having so many forms (multiform).
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
27. slang
condition, training. “In good FORM” or “in bad FORM” refers to a
man’s or horse’s state of being in the sporting world. FORM has also had
a moral significance of late years, and with the qualifying adjectives
attached as occasion requires, is extensively used in general
conversation. As, “It was bad FORM of Brown to do that.” “That article
was bad FORM.” In the latter cases the word “in” rarely appears.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "form" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "form" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "form") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.