informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
Examples of informal in a Sentence
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Employees who join a startup often thrive in fast-moving, informal environments, so when the company begins to scale, there’s often a fear of losing that agility.
—
Lyuba Brouillard, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Though there was no official vote, an informal vote revealed the teams were split 16-16 on the matter, according to an individual in the room during deliberations.
—Tess Demeyer, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Male Alzheimer’s caregivers group: The Men’s Breakfast Club is an informal and unstructured gathering of male caregivers.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Most packages that would have utilized de minimis are now subject to Type 11 informal entry, which requires that their contents are specified using a 10-digit HTSUS code.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Lyuba Brouillard, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Though there was no official vote, an informal vote revealed the teams were split 16-16 on the matter, according to an individual in the room during deliberations.
—Tess Demeyer, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Male Alzheimer’s caregivers group: The Men’s Breakfast Club is an informal and unstructured gathering of male caregivers.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Most packages that would have utilized de minimis are now subject to Type 11 informal entry, which requires that their contents are specified using a 10-digit HTSUS code.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
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