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
And who could ever forget the kids from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, who held a mini conclave of their own, then were invited to Rome for an informal meet and greet with the holy father.
—
CBS News, 8 May 2026
An informal online poll conducted by NBC4-LA showed that 89% of respondents thought that Pratt won the debate.
—Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
The pair of town hall meetings hosted by law firms operating under the name PFAS Georgia turned out nearly 1,000 people and served as an informal campaign stop for about a dozen political candidates — a nod to the grassroots outrage over the topic.
—Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026
If that window closes without agreement, an informal arbitration process commences — conducted under WGA auspices, conducted by phone, and conducted fast.
—George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
CBS News, 8 May 2026
An informal online poll conducted by NBC4-LA showed that 89% of respondents thought that Pratt won the debate.
—Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
The pair of town hall meetings hosted by law firms operating under the name PFAS Georgia turned out nearly 1,000 people and served as an informal campaign stop for about a dozen political candidates — a nod to the grassroots outrage over the topic.
—Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026
If that window closes without agreement, an informal arbitration process commences — conducted under WGA auspices, conducted by phone, and conducted fast.
—George Heller, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 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 12 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
