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
For years, stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to a fiat currency, operated in a patchwork of state laws, informal guidance, and regulation by enforcement.
—
Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Valencia had been killed in 2009, before Ricky Pike and his parents had thrown themselves into organizing aid for other families of homicide victims in an informal network of logistical help, money for flowers or transportation and other support.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Beyond uplifting kids on her Saturday mornings, Micheli works to uplift the women that make up her staff at Scripps, leading both formal and informal efforts to empower other women.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
In the informal street dollar market, where one dollar is worth around 370 pesos, the 234 billion pesos would be equivalent to just $632 million.
—Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Valencia had been killed in 2009, before Ricky Pike and his parents had thrown themselves into organizing aid for other families of homicide victims in an informal network of logistical help, money for flowers or transportation and other support.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Beyond uplifting kids on her Saturday mornings, Micheli works to uplift the women that make up her staff at Scripps, leading both formal and informal efforts to empower other women.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
In the informal street dollar market, where one dollar is worth around 370 pesos, the 234 billion pesos would be equivalent to just $632 million.
—Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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