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
In the wake of the announcement in October, The Economist’s board asked top editor Zanny Minton Beddoes to stay on for another two years, an unexpected extension of the publication’s informal ten-year term rule.
—
Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Barbecue lines at La Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue double as informal meet-and-greets, while NADC Burger has also become a recurring SXSW stop.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
Research on informal giving suggests that when reporting rules are unclear, individual donors may become more hesitant to send money directly to someone who needs it.
—Pamala Wiepking, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
The kitchen sink offers views of the valley, as does a place for a large table that would work for informal dining.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Barbecue lines at La Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue double as informal meet-and-greets, while NADC Burger has also become a recurring SXSW stop.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
Research on informal giving suggests that when reporting rules are unclear, individual donors may become more hesitant to send money directly to someone who needs it.
—Pamala Wiepking, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
The kitchen sink offers views of the valley, as does a place for a large table that would work for informal dining.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 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 28 Feb. 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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