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
The weight of running this informal refugee network shows.
—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Some ends up in informal scrapyards, where workers burn or dismantle devices by hand, often without protection, releasing toxic fumes and scrap.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
That July, Gina pled guilty to the DUI charge and was sentenced to three years informal probation and completed 20 hours of community service.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Off trail trampling near overlooks, roadside vegetation damage at informal pullouts, and food waste around trailheads can require seasonal or multi year restoration once the shutdown ends.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Some ends up in informal scrapyards, where workers burn or dismantle devices by hand, often without protection, releasing toxic fumes and scrap.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
That July, Gina pled guilty to the DUI charge and was sentenced to three years informal probation and completed 20 hours of community service.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Off trail trampling near overlooks, roadside vegetation damage at informal pullouts, and food waste around trailheads can require seasonal or multi year restoration once the shutdown ends.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 21 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share