insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˌ)in-ˈsī-dər 

ˈin-ˌsī-

: a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: such as

a

: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information

b

: a person (such as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

Examples of insider in a Sentence

Political insiders say that she is planning to run for president.

The book gives fans an insider's view of Hollywood.

Recent Examples on the Web

As agency insiders know, in 2026, print's value doesn't lie in nostalgia but in context. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Wahl embraced the upstart digital-media space, bringing an insider’s knowledge to his substantial online following, while still writing long-form soccer features that delivered depth and insight about the game’s most prominent players. — Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026

Many party insiders thought Larson would cruise to victory at the party’s nominating convention, but Bronin pulled a stunning upset that sent shock waves through the Connecticut political establishment. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Some insiders rave about his power, defensive abilities and speed on the base paths. — Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insider

• insider trading

Rhymes for insider

• collider
• confider
• divider
• outsider
• provider
• cider
• cyder
• eider
• glider
• hider
• rider
• schneider

Kids Definition

insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˈ)in-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who is a member of a special group or organization

Legal Definition

insider

noun

in·​sid·​er

: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information: as

a

: one (as an officer, director, employee, relative, or owner of more than 10% of the corporation's stock) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

b

: an individual (as a relative or an influential party) or entity (as a corporate affiliate) having a close relationship with a debtor such that transactions are not made at arm's length and are subject to closer scrutiny than the transactions of those dealing at arm's length