informal

adjective in·for·mal \ (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of informal

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

—

informality

play \(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē, -fər-\ noun

—

informally

play \(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē\ adverb

See informal defined for English-language learners

See informal defined for kids

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 of informal from the Web

On Friday, Bloomberg reported that new chief executive Matt Maddox has had informal talks about possibly selling the Wynn Boston Harbor project, citing an unnamed source.

— jon chesto, BostonGlobe.com, "Wynn’s presence in Mass. could be in doubt amid investigation," 7 Apr. 2018
As reported by Sky Sports, Swansea want to make sure Carvalhal stays on board with the club for next season, and have opened 'informal' talks with him.

— SI.com, "Swansea in Talks to Extend Manager Carlos Carvalhal's Contract at the Liberty Stadium," 5 Apr. 2018
North Korean officials have held such informal talks periodically with former officials and scholars.

— helene cooper and choe sang-hun, New York Times, "U.S. and South Korea to Resume Joint Military Exercises," 19 Mar. 2018
If a minor is charged in Juvenile Court with making a criminal threat, and the charge is found to be true, the case can be resolved in a number of ways, ranging from informal probation, and restrictions on social media usage, to time in custody.

— dana littlefield, sandiegouniontribune.com, "DA: Charges filed in 9 local school threat cases since the Parkland, Fla. shooting," 18 Mar. 2018
Dennis Rodman pleaded guilty Monday to two misdemeanor charges stemming from a January arrest and was sentenced to three years of informal probation, according to online court records.

— tom schad, USA TODAY, "Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman sentenced to three years probation after DUI arrest," 12 Mar. 2018
She was sentenced to three years of informal probation and ordered to pay a $700 fine and take a driver safety class.

— sasha savitsky, Fox News, "Heather Locklear's daughter Ava Sambora reportedly 'begged' mom to go to rehab," 8 Mar. 2018
After Belcher showed interest in the medical marijuana issue by doing an informal poll on her Facebook page and by talking about it with constituents, Johnson attacked again.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Dan Johnson's widow and former lawmaker clash in special House election to replace him," 19 Feb. 2018
Fortune 11/22/1999) was adapted by the great Fortune writer Carol Loomis from two informal talks that Buffett delivered that year.

— shawn tully, Fortune, "Here's What 1999 Warren Buffett Might Say About the 2018 Stock Market," 14 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'informal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of informal

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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informal Synonyms

INFORMAL Defined for English Language Learners

informal

adjective

Definition of informal for English Language Learners

: having a friendly and relaxed quality
: suited for ordinary use when you are relaxing
of language : relaxed in tone : not suited for serious or official speech and writing