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

Dupree said Davis was signed up as a confidential informant in March 2009. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

To pursue Combs’ alleged involvement, Davis was brought in as a confidential informant and flown to New York to meet a man who was supposed to deliver the payment. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

The intense interest in the case is one reason why her lawyers are pushing for a retrial – the town was so crowded that at one stage jury members shared a hotel with the prosecution team and an informant. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Jessica Bowie, 35, is facing federal charges for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the terrorist group ISIS after a confidential informant told the FBI that Bowie had reached out for help making explosives. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 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