informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
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
informality noun
informally 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.
Whatever the result of those efforts, and whether or not Musk has a formal or informal government role in Trump’s new administration, the last thing that Tesla investors would want to see is Musk being further distracted from his time running Tesla, said Ives. Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 According to an informal poll taken by The Athletic, 62% of respondents voted for a lifetime ban; 18.2% elected a suspension of 1-5 years; 17.4% went with a 1-year prohibition; and 2.4% said no further punishment is necessary. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Though Zara is not a full-time working royal like her cousin Prince William, she and her husband are often spotted at the royal family's formal and informal events, from King Charles' coronation to Royal Ascot and holiday church outings. Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Despite this increasingly informal tone, Biden's Scranton appearance maintained a strong focus on policy matters. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near informal

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
informality noun
informally 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

More from Merriam-Webster on informal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!