information
noun
in·for·ma·tion
ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən 
1
a(1)
: knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction
(2)
: intelligence, news
b
: the attribute inherent in and communicated by one of two or more alternative sequences or arrangements of something (such as nucleotides in DNA or binary digits in a computer program) that produce specific effects
c(1)
: a signal or character (as in a communication system or computer) representing data
(2)
: something (such as a message, experimental data, or a picture) which justifies change in a construct (such as a plan or theory) that represents physical or mental experience or another construct
d
: a quantitative measure of the content of information
specifically
: a numerical quantity that measures the uncertainty in the outcome of an experiment to be performed
2
: the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence
3
: the act of informing against a person
4
: a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting officer as distinguished from an indictment presented by a grand jury
informationally
adverb
Examples of information in a Sentence
They're working to collect information about the early settlers in the region.
The pamphlet provides a lot of information on recent changes to the tax laws.
He gave the police false information about his background.
The conference will give us an opportunity to exchange information with other researchers.
We can't make a decision until we have more information.
The tests have not yet uncovered any new information.
I don't like having to reveal personal information when I fill in a job application.
He's accused of withholding useful information.
I couldn't remember his number so I had to call information.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Anyone with information on either the White or Hammond cases is asked to call the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office at 518-885-6761.
—
Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Oct. 2023
Another publication called OneIndia also published an article echoing the fake information.
—Ben Goggin, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2023
But other information like sell-by dates or animal welfare labels are less regulated — and some are effectively meaningless.
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 7 Oct. 2023
Officials said preliminary information indicated that the Kremlin's forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack, the same as in the previous day's strike on the village of Hroza that killed 52 people.
—Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2023
Younger people are used to getting instant, decisive answers to questions with a quick Google search rather than grappling with the unknown and making decisions with limited information or learning through trial and error like previous generations.
—Michelle P. King, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023
Since your information at this point seems to fall well short of that standard of proof and include some panicked speculation, start by securing the expertise of a fiduciary financial adviser.
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023
More information can be found at the theater's website.
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 28 Sep. 2023
Tesla did not respond to CNN emails asking if the company had any response to the latest suit and for any additional information or comment on the previous lawsuits.
—Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 28 Sep. 2023
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Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Oct. 2023
Another publication called OneIndia also published an article echoing the fake information.
—Ben Goggin, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2023
But other information like sell-by dates or animal welfare labels are less regulated — and some are effectively meaningless.
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 7 Oct. 2023
Officials said preliminary information indicated that the Kremlin's forces used two Iskander missiles in the attack, the same as in the previous day's strike on the village of Hroza that killed 52 people.
—Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2023
Younger people are used to getting instant, decisive answers to questions with a quick Google search rather than grappling with the unknown and making decisions with limited information or learning through trial and error like previous generations.
—Michelle P. King, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023
Since your information at this point seems to fall well short of that standard of proof and include some panicked speculation, start by securing the expertise of a fiduciary financial adviser.
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023
More information can be found at the theater's website.
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 28 Sep. 2023
Tesla did not respond to CNN emails asking if the company had any response to the latest suit and for any additional information or comment on the previous lawsuits.
—Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 28 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'information.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of information was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing information
Dictionary Entries Near information
Cite this Entry
“Information.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information. Accessed 23 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
information
noun
in·for·ma·tion
ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən
1
: the giving or receiving of knowledge or intelligence
2
a
: knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction
b
: knowledge of a particular event or situation : news
c
: a characteristic or quality (as of DNA or a computer program) that stands for, expresses, or tells about one group of things or ways of doing things instead of others
3
: the quality of something (as DNA or a computer program) that represents a specific choice between a number of possible choices
Legal Definition
information
noun
in·for·ma·tion
: an instrument containing a formal accusation of a crime that is issued by a prosecuting officer and that serves the same function as an indictment presented by a grand jury compare complaint sense 2, indictment
Note: About half the states in the United States allow prosecutors to issue informations. The rest require indictment.
More from Merriam-Webster on information
Nglish: Translation of information for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of information for Arabic Speakers
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