informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt 
: a person who gives information: such as
a
: informer
b
: one who supplies cultural or linguistic data in response to interrogation by an investigator
Examples of informant in a Sentence
The police were alerted to the plot by a paid informant.
We learned the language with the help of a native informant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Late last month, the Justice Department revealed that the cartel hired hacker who was able to infiltrate phone data and Mexico City's surveillance cameras to help track and kill FBI informants.
—
CBS News, 16 July 2025
Then, in 1984, an informant revealed that a contract had been taken out on the life of a blond woman.
—Longreads, 8 July 2025
The prosecution of Davis was largely pinned on Hart’s confession and the testimony of others present when Slone was killed, as well as a jailhouse informant who told police Davis confessed while at the Butler County Jail.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One man, who court records say was here illegally, set up a methamphetamine sale with an informant working with the Drug Enforcement Agency.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for informant
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CBS News, 16 July 2025
Then, in 1984, an informant revealed that a contract had been taken out on the life of a blond woman.
—Longreads, 8 July 2025
The prosecution of Davis was largely pinned on Hart’s confession and the testimony of others present when Slone was killed, as well as a jailhouse informant who told police Davis confessed while at the Butler County Jail.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One man, who court records say was here illegally, set up a methamphetamine sale with an informant working with the Drug Enforcement Agency.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for informant
Cite this Entry
“Informant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informant. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: informer
Legal Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: one who informs against another
specifically
: one who makes a practice especially for money of informing police of others' criminal activities
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