in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
1
: the quality or state of being informal : lack of regular, prescribed, or customary form
wayside camps, where the informality of hardships loosened tongues—
Mabel R. Gillis
Mabel R. Gilliseveryday speech in all its informality and ease—R. A. Hall, born 1911
R. A. Hall, born 19112
: an informal act or proceeding
the wedding ceremony was enlivened by several unexpected informalities
Examples of informal in a Sentence
Adjective
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
But the vast majority of killings occur in poor townships or informal settlements.
—Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Willows then twice requested an informal meeting with the Sheriff’s Office, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors, and the county’s administrator to discuss concerns regarding the current contract and the proposals.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjacent to it, an informal dining space was conceived as a modern take on a veranda, with a circular table encircled by walls of glass on three sides.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Adjective
On a busy port-intensive Mediterranean itinerary, having an easy, informal place for breakfast, lunch or a late snack adds real value.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
But the vast majority of killings occur in poor townships or informal settlements.
—Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Willows then twice requested an informal meeting with the Sheriff’s Office, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors, and the county’s administrator to discuss concerns regarding the current contract and the proposals.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjacent to it, an informal dining space was conceived as a modern take on a veranda, with a circular table encircled by walls of glass on three sides.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
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