1. the quality of being formal in manner, behavior, or style
2. a thing that is done as a matter of course or convention rather than for a practical purpose
3. rigid adherence to rules of convention or etiquette

Examples

• The wedding ceremony was conducted with great formality.
• Signing the contract was just a formality since we had already agreed on everything.
• The formality of the dinner party made everyone feel uncomfortable.
• He dispensed with formality and called everyone by their first names.
• The graduation ceremony maintained its traditional formality.
• Getting approval from the board is merely a formality at this point.
• She appreciated the formality of the business meeting.