informal

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

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

That way of doing business is under threat as the world’s second-largest gold market faces Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign to bring India’s informal economy to book.

— swansy afonso, Bloomberg.com, "The Battle for India's $45 Billion Gold Industry Has Begun," 29 Aug. 2017
The acknowledgment of Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s daughter in the crowd brought memories of watching boxing matches with her father and an informal poll on the outcome of the evening’s other big event (Conor McGregor’s name was met by literal crickets).

— shaun brady, Philly.com, "Aretha Franklin, as moving as ever, in what could be her final live performance in Philadelphia," 27 Aug. 2017
Parole hearings are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting at 8:00 a.m. The informal hearings are held with an inmate's family or representatives, and the victim's family or representatives.

— ivana hrynkiw, AL.com, "How long is life for Alabama inmates in prison? Not as long as you may think," 26 Aug. 2017
The memo doesn’t say anything about people who’ve been serving under its existing non-discharge informal policy.

— vann r. newkirk ii, The Atlantic, "The White House Formalizes Its Military Transgender Ban," 25 Aug. 2017
A hammer and chisel wasn’t just the informal method of opening these cans–

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "Why the Can Opener Wasn’t Invented Until Almost 50 Years After the Can," 24 Aug. 2017
His informal speeches are about himself, while his formal speeches emphasize threats without offering much optimism.

— vanityfair.com, "The Democratic Case for Restricting Immigration," 9 Aug. 2017
After 2 years lost, J-Shun Harris back up to speed That informal campaign didn't bring ESPN to town two years ago, but fans will apparently only have to wait four more weeks to finally get their wish.

— zach osterman, The Courier-Journal, "ESPN's 'College GameDay' to kick off season in Bloomington for IU-Ohio State," 3 Aug. 2017
The heart of the TAG program will be TAG Café informal sessions every other Tuesday evening and TAG Experiences scheduled irregularly.

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Boca religious school starting new program," 2 Aug. 2017

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

informal Synonyms

Synonyms

heterodox, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox

Antonyms

ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, formal, orthodox, regular, routine

Related Words

unauthorized, unofficial; casual, easygoing, familiar, free and easy, lax, loose, offhand, relaxed, ultracasual

Near Antonyms

correct, decorous, proper; constrained, inhibited, restrained, rigid, stiff, stuffy, uptight

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