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informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
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 noun
informally adverb

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
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.
Wahl wrote that the department would revise its policy to limit informal resolutions to less-serious complaints. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 The beloved British actresses were in central London Tuesday for a screening and informal discussion about their upcoming Netflix film Goodbye June. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025 Citing unnamed sources and a former counterterrorism investigator, writers for City Journal, a publication of the Manhattan Institute, claim that some money sent back from Minnesota to Somalia through informal networks likely would have benefited the group, which controls large swaths of Somalia. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2025 Gary stayed on with the Port as an informal advisor, frequently traveling with his son to meetings with representatives of Amazon and other industrial clients. Sean Patrick Cooper, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for informal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of informal was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
informality noun
informally adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal
: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules
an informal hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on informal

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