information

noun

in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce information (audio)
1
a(1)
: knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction
(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
2
: the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence
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
informational adjective
informationally adverb

Example Sentences

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web That has meant LLMs can often repeat false information or even come up with their own, something Raskin characterizes as hallucinations. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2023 Chew is expected to argue that TikTok is doing more than any other technology company to protect user information. Anna Edgerton And Alex Barinka Bloomberg News (tns), al, 22 Mar. 2023 The processing time can be even longer if there’s an error, the return is incomplete or the IRS needs more information. Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2023 For Neitzke, mayor and longtime Greenfield resident, the backstory of the bridge was welcome information. Bob Dohr, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2023 Not that this is groundbreaking information, but this lineup isn't exactly the American League's most fearsome unit without an elite leadoff man, the AL's best left-handed hitter and a DH with an elite command of the strike zone. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 22 Mar. 2023 Two weeks after Maggie and Paul were killed in June 2021, SLED reopened Smith's case based on information learned from the Murdaugh case. Conrad Hoyt, Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2023 However, Zen philosophy is sprinkled throughout the journal in the form of quotes, short stories, and information leading up the prompts. Michelle Pugle, Health, 22 Mar. 2023 Five locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair have been used to help uncover information about the German composer's health. Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of information was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near information

Cite this Entry

“Information.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

information

noun
in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce information (audio)
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 How to pronounce information (audio)
-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.

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