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
Some families who are able to work from home are organizing informal childcare cooperatives, sharing responsibilities and creating safe spaces for children during the closure.
—
Da Lin, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, The Barn, which opens onto parkland, is earthy, jolly, and informal – blazing stone fireplace in winter, open to the elements and spilling out into the parkland-facing terrace in summer – and has laid-back brasserie-style menus (veggie burgers, chateaubriand, ribs, chicken pie et al).
—Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
The project evolved out of an informal recording session.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Tshisekedi, who last December signed a US government partnership to prioritize US investors in its mining sector, linked the latest investment opportunity directly to security, arguing that illicit mining and informal supply chains help fuel violence in eastern DR Congo.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Da Lin, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, The Barn, which opens onto parkland, is earthy, jolly, and informal – blazing stone fireplace in winter, open to the elements and spilling out into the parkland-facing terrace in summer – and has laid-back brasserie-style menus (veggie burgers, chateaubriand, ribs, chicken pie et al).
—Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
The project evolved out of an informal recording session.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Tshisekedi, who last December signed a US government partnership to prioritize US investors in its mining sector, linked the latest investment opportunity directly to security, arguing that illicit mining and informal supply chains help fuel violence in eastern DR Congo.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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
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