The term formal has a number of uses, including: General relating to formality opposite of informal Social Formal occasion Formal attire worn on such occasions Formals are particular meals at some British universities In Australian or British English, a "formal" is the equivalent of the American prom dance. In American English, a "formal" is organized by a college or university organization, typically but not always a fraternity or sorority. Informal occasion (included as Informal redir… (More on Formal)