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
What started as informal block parties and jam sessions evolved into the West End Celebration, now entering its third decade.
—
Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
The Waffle House Index is an informal measure developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to gauge how a region is responding to a disaster.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026
Since the demise of the deputy executive director, New Jersey has, by informal agreement, selected the chairman of the Port’s board.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
These corridors allow guests to move between rooms, dining spaces, the spa, and fitness facilities without going outdoors—especially useful in winter—and double as informal galleries lined with work by regional artists.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
The Waffle House Index is an informal measure developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to gauge how a region is responding to a disaster.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026
Since the demise of the deputy executive director, New Jersey has, by informal agreement, selected the chairman of the Port’s board.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
These corridors allow guests to move between rooms, dining spaces, the spa, and fitness facilities without going outdoors—especially useful in winter—and double as informal galleries lined with work by regional artists.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 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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