information

noun

in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

a(1)

: knowledge gained from investigation, study, or instruction

collecting information about the region's earliest inhabitants

… "The Glass Menagerie" is a distinctly American story, full of information about the politics of the time …

—Hilton Als

(2)

: knowledge of a particular event or situation : intelligence, news

looked up the latest information on the approaching storm

The neurosurgeon had explained to her that there was no target for an operation on her spine that would cure her pain. She did not receive this information well.

—Abdul-Ghaaliq Lalkhen

(3)

: facts, data

a reliable source of information

… the steadfast, self-affirming confidence of someone who, when presented with new information or a different point of view, can change their mind.

—Steve Edwards

see also contact information

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

mathematics : 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

A price list is enclosed for your information.

3

obsolete : the act of informing against a person

4

law : a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting officer as distinguished from an indictment presented by a grand jury

informational

ˌin-fər-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

an informational brochure

informational books

informationally adverb

Synonyms of information

• data
• facts

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

For more information on volunteering or attending the workshop, visit the Lights Out DFW website. —Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Rocklin Police Department. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

In practice, access at SXSW comes down to time, flexibility and information. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

Nonetheless, the emerging picture of happiness is a complex one, and while there are many factors to consider, the migration to a digital means of producing and consuming information is key. —Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing information

• contact information
• for someone's information
• information appliance
• information booth
• information overload
• information retrieval
• information science
• information superhighway
• information technology
• information theory
• my information is
• sensitive compartmented information facility
• the information superhighway

Rhymes for information

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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

informational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

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.