information

noun

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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 Detectives are asking anyone who may have information on this suspect to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-764-4357(HELP) or 954-967-4411. — sun-sentinel.com, "Hollywood police hunt gun-toting woman caught on video threatening resident," 7 Dec. 2019 As Digby Warde-Aldam reports for the Guardian, the pissotières of Paris—public pee-spots first installed in the 1830s—became popular rendezvous points for members of the French Resistance to covertly exchange information on enemy movements. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "How Paris’ Open-Air Urinals Changed a City—and Helped Dismantle the Nazi Regime," 7 Dec. 2019 The inspector general, an independent arm of DHS, hasn’t responded to requests for information on the investigation into Carlos’ death. — Robert Moore, ProPublica, "House Chairman Says Trump Administration Misled Congress on Boy’s Death in Custody," 6 Dec. 2019 The party did not reply on Friday to a request for information on celebrities campaigning alongside its candidates. — Megan Specia, New York Times, "Hugh, Actually: In U.K. Campaign, Voters Find an Actor at the Door," 6 Dec. 2019 For more information on the 290 project, go to www.my290.com. — Chevall Pryce, Houston Chronicle, "U.S. 290 HOV lane extension to Fairfield opening Dec. 16, Hwy. 6 flyover bridge progresses," 6 Dec. 2019 Understanding which cells are saying what gives us critical information on how to silence damaging conversations between cells that make someone sick while letting the healthful ones continue. — Virginia Savova, STAT, "Creating a Facebook for cell communication can help treat disease," 6 Dec. 2019 Anyone with information on these crimes or who are familiar with the woman in these pictures should call detective Mike Steele at (513) 759-7347. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "Police need help identifying woman on a 'purse snatching spree' throughout the Tristate," 5 Dec. 2019 Last month a fourth man offered information on the killing in return for immunity from prosecution. — The Economist, "Malta’s prime minister is ousted by a murdered journalist’s work," 5 Dec. 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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Dictionary Entries near information

information appliance

information booth

Statistics for information

Last Updated

10 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Information.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information. Accessed 15 December 2019.

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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.

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