insider

noun in·sid·er \ (ˌ)in-ˈsī-dər , ˈin-ˌsī- \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Definition of insider

: a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: such as

a : a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information

b : a person (such as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

See insider defined for English-language learners

See insider defined for kids

Examples of insider in a Sentence

Political insiders say that she is planning to run for president.
The book gives fans an insider's view of Hollywood.

Recent Examples of insider from the Web

However, something about the relationship changed recently, according to an insider who says the family no longer looks to Bonelli for makeup looks — or even friendship.

— marci robin, Allure, "The Kardashians Are Reportedly No Longer Working With Long-Time Makeup Artist Joyce Bonelli," 29 June 2018
This week, 928 industry insiders joined the elite group and several weren’t shy to let it be known.

— christina schoellkopf, latimes.com, "Hashtag Highlights: DiCaprio's tease, Drake's surprise," 29 June 2018
In fact, XXX’s appeal only grew; fans as well as music industry insiders seemed to double down on their support.

— danielle jackson, Longreads, "On Mourning, Learning a More Sober Fandom, and Letting Go," 28 June 2018
According to insiders, his decision to depart is amicable and he will not be replaced.

— thr staff, The Hollywood Reporter, "What Matters in Hollywood Today," 27 June 2018
Still, that doesn’t sit well with cannabis industry insiders like Rabinowitz.

— evan sernoffsky, SFChronicle.com, "Permit Patty faces business backlash from fellow cannabis entrepreneurs," 25 June 2018
Abloh’s background and his roots should matter to fashion insiders who have discussed his qualifications, his talents (or as some argue, lack-thereof), his influence, and his business acumen ad nauseam over the last couple of years.

— brooke bobb, Vogue, "Three Aspiring Chicago Creatives on Why Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Debut Inspires Them," 20 June 2018
SportsPulse: Trysta Krick is joined by NBA insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt to discuss the future for the the Warriors and Cavaliers following a quick NBA Finals.

— dave clark, Cincinnati.com, "Kenyon Martin predicts LeBron James, Paul George to New York Knicks," 19 June 2018
Critics say the plan would cede state oversight of the power grid to industry insiders and federal regulators who are overly friendly to utilities.

— jeff mcdonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Plan for 14-state power grid faces key Senate hearing on Tuesday," 15 June 2018

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

First Known Use of insider

1848

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Financial Definition of INSIDER

insider

noun

What It Is

An insider is an employee, director or any other person who is privy to confidential, nonpublic information about a company.

How It Works

Given their position, managers and executives within a company are privy to information about a company's operations that is not available to the investing public. The news and details of an upcoming merger or special dividend that have not yet been announced are two examples of insider information. Once information has been made public by the company, it is no longer considered "insider" information.

Why It Matters

Individuals with access to insider information have an unfair advantage in the market. Using this information to base a trade is an illegal practice known as "insider trading."

It is also illegal for a person with insider information to pass it to a third party so that they may use the information to profit.

Source: Investing Answers

INSIDER Defined for English Language Learners

insider

noun

Definition of insider for English Language Learners

: a person who belongs to a group or organization and has special knowledge about it

INSIDER Defined for Kids

insider

noun in·sid·er \ in-ˈsī-dər \

Definition of insider for Students

: a member of a group or organization who has information about it

Law Dictionary

insider

noun in·sid·er

legal Definition of insider

: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information: as

a : one (as an officer, director, employee, relative, or owner of more than 10% of the corporation's stock) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

b : an individual (as a relative or an influential party) or entity (as a corporate affiliate) having a close relationship with a debtor such that transactions are not made at arm's length and are subject to closer scrutiny than the transactions of those dealing at arm's length