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
During the 2020 cycle, disinformation targeting Black voters has been spreading through informal channels on social media, according to a report by NBC News.
—
David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The informal meeting represents the first layer in the appeals process the district is entitled to avail itself of, Lecholop said.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin noted that in many ways the industry treats IMDb professional pages as informal resumés and so these new categories will help his union’s members better reflect their work history.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
As the benefits run dry, some community members have established informal systems to foot their neighbors' grocery bills.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 4 Nov. 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.
David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The informal meeting represents the first layer in the appeals process the district is entitled to avail itself of, Lecholop said.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin noted that in many ways the industry treats IMDb professional pages as informal resumés and so these new categories will help his union’s members better reflect their work history.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
As the benefits run dry, some community members have established informal systems to foot their neighbors' grocery bills.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 4 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 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