informal
adjective
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
Examples of informal in a Sentence
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
The policy at the center of the case began as an informal practice at the tail end of the Obama administration, when immigration officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry dealt with a large influx of Haitian asylum seekers by turning them away when the officers deemed the port to be at capacity.
—
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The nightclub’s reputation developed through informal athlete associations, hip-hop references and social media storytelling.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026
In many other states, senior living communities can allow residents to drink alcohol or host informal social hours, though policies vary widely.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
By the time Kennedy launched his presidential campaign in 1960, Hyannis Port had become the informal nerve center of the family’s political operation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The nightclub’s reputation developed through informal athlete associations, hip-hop references and social media storytelling.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026
In many other states, senior living communities can allow residents to drink alcohol or host informal social hours, though policies vary widely.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
By the time Kennedy launched his presidential campaign in 1960, Hyannis Port had become the informal nerve center of the family’s political operation.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 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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