insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˌ)in-ˈsī-dər 

ˈin-ˌsī-

: 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

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 on the Web

While the encounter marked a hopeful step forward, royal insiders cautioned that the path to full reconciliation remains long. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

Plus, an insider knows where the bodies are buried and wants to build their own team. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025

Minutes before insiders reported the franchise’s quarterback pivot from Tua Tagovailoa to Quinn Ewers, the team released veteran edge rusher Matt Judon, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. —Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025

He was soon replaced by the Democratic Party insider Clark Clifford, who in short order reached the same grim perspective on the war’s prospects. —Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insider

• insider trading

Rhymes for insider

• collider
• confider
• divider
• outsider
• provider
• cider
• cyder
• eider
• glider
• hider
• rider
• schneider

Kids Definition

insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˈ)in-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who is a member of a special group or organization

Legal Definition

insider

noun

in·​sid·​er

: 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