informant

noun

in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)
: a person who gives information: such as
a
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additionally, deputies maintained a system to conceal, manage and reward those informants. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 29 July 2025 Marino ended up serving as a confidential informant, wearing multiple wires that captured sound and video. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 July 2025 The investigation into Spafford began in 2023, when the informant, who is in law enforcement, told authorities Spafford was stockpiling ammunition and weapons. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025 Many potential sources are now dead, and one of Gilliland’s key informants, Rosa Roisinblit, was 102 when Gilliland finally managed to interview her. Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for informant

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of informant was in 1641

Cite this Entry

“Informant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

informant

noun
in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)

Legal Definition

informant

noun
in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)
: one who informs against another
specifically : one who makes a practice especially for money of informing police of others' criminal activities

More from Merriam-Webster on informant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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