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 hallways and informal corners of the convention center, old ideas resurfaced in sharper, more polished form.
—
Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Poor areas with informal housing were the worst affected, government officials said.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
There have been informal talks between the clubs, but Newcastle, who are keen to avoid paying inflated fees, have alternative options.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 June 2025
The big-box retailer, founded in 1978 and now boasting over 2,300 stores, has long been more than just a place to buy lumber and paint—it's also been an informal hiring hub for day laborers, many of them undocumented.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Poor areas with informal housing were the worst affected, government officials said.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
There have been informal talks between the clubs, but Newcastle, who are keen to avoid paying inflated fees, have alternative options.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 June 2025
The big-box retailer, founded in 1978 and now boasting over 2,300 stores, has long been more than just a place to buy lumber and paint—it's also been an informal hiring hub for day laborers, many of them undocumented.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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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