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
An informal mining economy has expanded across parts of Laos in recent years, particularly in remote limestone and river basin regions where formal livelihoods are scarce and enforcement is limited.
—
Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
The status of nitrogenase as an informal quantum computing benchmark traces back to a 2011 meeting Microsoft organized to explore applications for its nascent quantum computing group.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
The couple ultimately wed in 1975, after exchanging informal, private vows at the top of the Eiffel Tower a few weeks earlier.
—Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Juneteenth was an informal holiday for decades, celebrated with parades, barbecues, and other gatherings.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
The status of nitrogenase as an informal quantum computing benchmark traces back to a 2011 meeting Microsoft organized to explore applications for its nascent quantum computing group.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
The couple ultimately wed in 1975, after exchanging informal, private vows at the top of the Eiffel Tower a few weeks earlier.
—Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Juneteenth was an informal holiday for decades, celebrated with parades, barbecues, and other gatherings.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 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 5 Jun. 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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