1 [count] a : a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something
▪ His investment strategy is based on a simple formula. ▪ This has proven to be a winning formula. — often + for ▪ a formula for success/happiness ▪ There is no magic formula [=no simple and certain method] for achieving success in the business world.
b : a list of the ingredients used for making something (such as a medicine or a drink)
▪ The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal. 2 [count] a mathematics : a general fact or rule expressed in letters and symbols
▪ The formula for the area of a rectangle is l X w. [=length times width]
b chemistry : a series of letters, numbers, and symbols showing the chemicals that a compound is made of
▪ The formula for water is H₂O. ▪ chemical formulas 3 [noncount] US : a liquid that usually contains milk and that is used for feeding a baby
▪ infants drinking formula instead of their mother's milk 4 [count] a : a set of words that are commonly used in a way that does not seem original or sincere : a conventional statement
▪ Politicians often resort to familiar formulas when discussing controversial issues.
b : a common way of creating or telling a story in a movie, book, etc.
▪ the narrative formula offered in so many movies ▪ All her books are written according to a familiar formula.