information

noun

in·for·ma·tion | \ ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən

Definition of information

1 : the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence

2a(1) : knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction

(2) : intelligence, news

(3) : facts, data

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

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

Other Words from information Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about information

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Choose the Right Synonym for information

information, knowledge, and learning mean what is or can be known. information may be used of a collection of facts gathered from many places. The book has a lot of information about baseball. knowledge is used for facts and ideas acquired by study, observation, or experience. She has a knowledge of birds. learning is used of knowledge acquired by long and careful study. The learning of a lifetime is in that book.

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The hack, the largest in US history, exposed sensitive information, including names, Social Security numbers, drivers' license numbers and addresses. — Victoria Cavaliere, CNN, "Equifax reportedly near deal to pay about $700 million over data breach," 20 July 2019 More information: Raging Waves is at 4000 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, Ill., about 120 miles south of Milwaukee. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Illinois' biggest water park, Raging Waves, is a less hectic alternative to the Dells," 19 July 2019 For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Meyer, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm. — courant.com, "Meyer Ginsberg," 19 July 2019 For membership information, call Mary Stanton at 858-449-9243 or Jesse Garza at 858-752-7004. — Pomerado News, "Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians’ help for seniors among new president’s priorities," 19 July 2019 For more information, visit fundforanimals.org/wildlife-center. — Ramona Sentinel, "Wildlife center seeing record number of patients," 18 July 2019 For entry fees and more information, call 781-768-8367 or go to www.spellman.org. — Nancy Shohet West, BostonGlobe.com, "West Calendar: What’s happening this week," 18 July 2019 Humane Society staff will be on hand to give information, guidance and resources to potential adopters. — Brieanna J. Frank, azcentral, "Chihuahua puppies abandoned in Phoenix dumpster up for adoption," 17 July 2019 This is not new information, and products designed to be non-bad are not new. — Dan Nosowitz, Vox, "Who Gives a Crap," 17 July 2019

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

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More Definitions for information

information

noun

English Language Learners Definition of information

: knowledge that you get about someone or something : facts or details about a subject

US : a service that telephone users can call to find out the telephone number for a specified person or organization

See the full definition for information in the English Language Learners Dictionary

information

noun

in·for·ma·tion | \ ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən

Kids Definition of information

: knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction : facts or details about a subject

information

noun

in·for·ma·tion

Legal Definition of information

: 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.