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 full Senate is set to consider Senate Bill 62, a measure that would restrict the sale and use of certain rat poisons in Colorado, for an informal vote.
—
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
As the Rangers entered the final week of camp in Arizona, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young sat down with the media for an informal update on the club.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, millions of Black South Africans still live in informal settlements.
—Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
This led to three of the footballers giving up hope in the process, instead choosing to move to South Africa, where refugees are relatively free to move and work in informal small businesses.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
As the Rangers entered the final week of camp in Arizona, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young sat down with the media for an informal update on the club.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, millions of Black South Africans still live in informal settlements.
—Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
This led to three of the footballers giving up hope in the process, instead choosing to move to South Africa, where refugees are relatively free to move and work in informal small businesses.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 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 21 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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