information

noun

Save Word

in·for·ma·tion | \ ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən

Definition of information

1a(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

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

Other Words from information Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing information Learn More About information

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The release of the information, officials have alleged, put lives in danger. — William Booth, Washington Post, 17 June 2022 Outside of real-time information, data should be no older than nine months, or appropriately aged. — Thanh Nguyen, Forbes, 17 June 2022 The defense argues much of that information is either irrelevant, inflammatory or hearsay. — Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 17 June 2022 Meta, which also operates Instagram, said the company would continue to use research and technology to combat the spread of false information. — Kim Mackrael, WSJ, 16 June 2022 In that trove of information are photos and videos of Patriot Front members camping and running military-style drills in Zion National Park. — Bryan Schott, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 June 2022 The latest study adds to a wealth of information revealed by sequencing ancient pathogens such as plague that leave a genetic imprint in human DNA. — Katie Hunt, CNN, 15 June 2022 The second jury, deprived of that information, decided there was reasonable doubt. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2022 Based on the pieces of information dotting the internet, TikTokers have crafted their own variations based heavily on the chickpea, mint and parsley ingredients. — Antonia Debianchi, PEOPLE.com, 15 June 2022 See More

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.

Buying Guide

Check out the best educational products selected by our Reviews team.

Learn More About information

From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries Near information

informatics

information

Information Age

Statistics for information

Last Updated

19 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Information.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information. Accessed 28 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for information

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

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.

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.