informant

noun in·for·mant \ in-ˈfȯr-mənt \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of informant

: a person who gives information: such as

a : informer

b : one who supplies cultural or linguistic data in response to interrogation by an investigator

See informant defined for English-language learners

See informant defined for kids

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 of informant from the Web

His current arrest stems from an ATF informant/neighbor/friend of Rivera’s that was working off his own criminal conduct.

— travis andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "He sold guns and talked about ‘crazy brown’ heroin; now he’s serving a 42-month sentence," 9 May 2018
At that time, Kelly was working in narcotics and knew how to deal with informants.

— erin moriarty, CBS News, "Brutal throat slashing of Utah mom takes investigation on an unexpected path," 5 May 2018
Investigators used an informant to buy drugs off Hempstead nine times between Feb. 20 and Tuesday, court records say.

— adam ferrise, cleveland.com, "FBI arrests Cleveland man who won $300,000 after being shot by cop," 4 May 2018
Authorities said no informants were involved in the investigation.

— jared gilmour, sacbee, "Christmas murder led to 85 arrests of gang's 'middle management' and 'foot soldiers,' California cops say | The Sacramento Bee," 3 May 2018
Meanwhile, Greg Kading’s task force tries to get their ducks back in a row after informant Percy Locke led them astray.

— scott glaysher, Billboard, "'Unsolved': Episode 9 Cuts to the Chase as Biggie's Mom Comes to Terms With His Lifestyle," 27 Apr. 2018
The lawyers have alleged Franklin and the deputies didn't tell the judge about paying an informant to install a surveillance software on Lockhart's computer.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Fired warden returns to court for hearing on Morgan sheriff's handling of leak investigation," 24 Apr. 2018
Two confidential informants met with police and provided similar information.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "GPS traces the trail of shooting, car break-ins in Brookfield and Oconomowoc, leading to three teens being charged," 24 Apr. 2018
The prosecution's star witness at Maxwell's trial was jailhouse informant Sidney Storch, who claimed Maxwell confessed to the killings.

— james queally, latimes.com, "His convictions were overturned; he's in failing health. Will Bobby Joe Maxwell gain freedom in '70s serial killer case?," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'informant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of informant

1641

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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informant Synonyms

Synonyms

betrayer, informer, rat, snitch, snitcher, squealer, stool pigeon, talebearer, tattler, tattletale, telltale;

Related Words

collaborator;

blabber, blabbermouth, gossip, gossiper, leaker;

snoop, snooper, spy;

notifier;

INFORMANT Defined for English Language Learners

informant

noun

Definition of informant for English Language Learners

: a person who gives information to the police about secret or criminal activities
: a person who gives information about his or her culture or language to a researcher