form follows function

phrase

A design principle stating that the appearance and structure of a building (or, by extension, an automobile, a software program, etc.) should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.

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Meanings

phrase
  1. A design principle stating that the appearance and structure of a building (or, by extension, an automobile, a software program, etc.) should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.
Cite this entry
APA

form follows function. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/form%20follows%20function

MLA

“form follows function.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/form%20follows%20function. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “form follows function,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/form%20follows%20function.

Source: form follows function on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.