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

Synonyms of informant

• informer

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

Shea was attacked because Manson told his followers the man was a police informant and attempting to kick them off the ranch. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

On April 4, 2025, Camden County prosecutors said, Diiorio met with the informant in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, handed over $500, and promised to pay nearly $12,000 in installments to him to complete the job. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Among the cooperating witnesses expected to testify is Joseph Vincent, a former Drug Enforcement Administration informant who did not testify in the first trial. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Information for the charges came from multiple sources, including citizen informants, who had observed Wolff hunting on their property, observations made by wardens while on patrol, and surveillance. — David Zeug, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for informant

• dormant
• formant

Kids 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