---
type: "Glossary term"
title: "Structured output"
description: "Constraining a model's output to a schema; guarantees form, not authority."
tags: [glossary]
generated: { by: human:crpage, at: 2026-07-09T09:44:00Z }
aliases: "structured output; structured outputs"
status: stable
---

# Definition
Constraining a model's output to conform to a schema (e.g. [JSON Schema](../standards/json-schema.md)) — it guarantees **form, not authority or correctness**. Schema-valid JSON is not the same as a valid or authorised action.

# Used in this bundle
Appears in: [structured-outputs](../standards/structured-outputs.md), [json-schema](../standards/json-schema.md).

# Related terms
[function calling](function-calling.md), [schema grounding](schema-grounding.md).