informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
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
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
Meanwhile, many women around the world are still struggling to find work, with many holding precarious jobs or forced to hustle in the informal economy just to get by.
—
Meera Senthilingam, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Not in a classroom with a lecture but sitting on your couch with your family, eating some popcorn, getting this informal education, and hopefully planting a seed that, hey, Black women do this type of science.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
This multinational drill focuses on anti-submarine warfare tactics and involves maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from the U.S., Australia, India and Japan—members of the U.S.-led informal grouping Quad—as well as South Korea, a Washington treaty ally.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Formal and informal mentorship relationships help foster a culture that values idea sharing and experimentation.
—Michael Horowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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.
Meera Senthilingam, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Not in a classroom with a lecture but sitting on your couch with your family, eating some popcorn, getting this informal education, and hopefully planting a seed that, hey, Black women do this type of science.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
This multinational drill focuses on anti-submarine warfare tactics and involves maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from the U.S., Australia, India and Japan—members of the U.S.-led informal grouping Quad—as well as South Korea, a Washington treaty ally.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Formal and informal mentorship relationships help foster a culture that values idea sharing and experimentation.
—Michael Horowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share