informal

adjective

in·for·mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl

Synonyms of informal

: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony

an informal meeting

: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use

informal clothes

informality

(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē

adverb

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Around a third of young Africans are employed in informal roles in the agricultural sector. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 However, messaging from organizations and informal networks involved in the protests suggests that demonstrators intend to return to the streets during the weekend. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 Traffic concerns The city hosted an informal meeting Tuesday to field questions about the project. — Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The mail stream drew particular attention because the informal mail entry process was a paper process that provided almost no advance entry information, according to CBP. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of informal was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

inform

informal

informality

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

informal

adjective

in·for·mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl

: not formal

an informal party

: suited for ordinary or everyday use

informal clothes

informality

ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē

adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective

in·for·mal

: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules

an informal hearing

informal

adjective

Synonyms of informal

Examples of informal in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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informal

adjective

Synonyms of informal

Examples of informal in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for informal

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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