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

The files show that the informant continued reporting to his intelligence handler while allegedly failing to disclose the full extent of his own involvement in obtaining ammunition for the group. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

That theory was circulated in a 1998 memoir of a former IRA member turned informant, Sean O'Callaghan, now dead. — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

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

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