: useful information concerning a subject of interest (such as an enemy) : intelligence
Fresh and accurate intel would result in successful operations.Darryl Young
The airlines crave intel on your food allergies, your tolerance for G-forces and your propensity for air rage.McKenzie Funk
often used before another noun
intel data
an intel briefing

Examples of intel in a Sentence

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.
Boston is not ruling out the idea is my intel. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 But there are also sources who’ve drip-fed intel, perhaps decoy details, to outlets since the stars got engaged in August 2025. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 Swift and Kelce have certainly kept the world guessing right up to the wire — the wedding of the decade is reportedly a day away, and even THR is going on secondhand intel. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intel

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intel was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intel. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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