Formation

Formation may refer to:

Linguistics

 * Back-formation, the process of creating a new lexeme by removing or affixes
 * Word formation, the creation of a new word by adding affixes

Mathematics and science

 * Cave formation or speleothem, a secondary mineral deposit formed in a cave
 * Class formation, a topological group acting on a module satisfying certain conditions
 * Formation (group theory), a class of groups that is closed under some operations
 * Formation constant, an equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex in solution
 * Formation enthalpy, standard heat of formation of a compound
 * Formation (group theory), a class of groups
 * Formation (geology), a formally named rock stratum or geological unit
 * Formation of rocks, how rocks are formed
 * Formation and evolution of the Solar System, history of the Solar System
 * Rock formation, an isolated, scenic, or spectacular surface rock outcrop
 * Vegetation formation, a concept used to classify vegetation communities

Military

 * Formation flying, the disciplined flight of two or more aircraft under the command of a flight leader
 * Formation (military), a high-level military organization
 * Tactical formation, the arrangement or deployment of moving military forces
 * Formation, an element in order of battle as a formal assembly of military personnel usually to receive the course of actions (operation order) or get deployed to operations
 * Formation may be tactical or ceremonial

Music

 * Formation Records, a record label headed by DJ SS
 * "Formation" (song), a song by American singer Beyoncé on her 2016 album Lemonade
 * The Formation World Tour, concert tour by Beyoncé for her album Lemonade

Religion

 * Formations or saṅkhāra, an important Buddhist concept
 * Formation in the Catholic Church, the personal preparation that the Catholic Church offers to people with a defined mission

Sports

 * Formation (association football), how team players are positioned on the pitch
 * Formation (American football), the positions in which players line up before the start of a down
 * Formation (bandy), how the players are positioned on the rink
 * Formation dance, a style of ballroom dancing
 * Formation finish, a staged motor-race finish in which multiple vehicles of the same team cross the finish line together

Writing

 * Formation (book), a bildungsroman by Brad Mehldau

Other

 * Contract formation in law; an offer, acceptance, consideration, and a mutual intent to be bound
 * Formation 8, an American venture capital firm in San Francisco, California
 * Formation level, the native material underneath a constructed road, pavement or railway
 * Formation of a coalition government, led by a formateur
 * Formation water, water that is produced as a byproduct during oil and gas production
 * Government formation in a parliamentary system
 * Formations, imprint of Ohio State University Press