I formation

noun

A common offensive formation, beginning with the usual five offensive linemen (two offensive tackles, two guards, and a center), the quarterback under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback. The base variant adds a tight end to one side of the line and two wide receivers, one at each end of the line.

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Meanings

nounI formation (plural I formations)

plural I formations

  1. American footballA common offensive formation, beginning with the usual five offensive linemen (two offensive tackles, two guards, and a center), the quarterback under center, and two backs in-line behind the quarterback. The base variant adds a tight end to one side of the line and two wide receivers, one at each end of the line.
  2. hobbiesA formation in doubles where the server's partner starts crouched down close to the center of the net

Origin

From the vertical (as viewed from the opposing endzone) alignment of quarterback, fullback, and running back, particularly when contrasted with the same players' alignments in the T formation.

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Cite this entry
APA

I formation. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/I%20formation

MLA

“I formation.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/I%20formation. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “I formation,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/I%20formation.

Source: I formation on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.