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
Lunch is often an informal affair—poke bowls from Da Poke Bowl Shack, tacos from El Jefe, or something quick from Knosh or Takeaway 242 between pool and beach.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Lykke Leonardsen, who runs Copenhagen’s Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions program and serves as the city’s informal water ambassador, told me that the intent was to hold hearings, win approval in August, and invest gradually.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Following these delays, and increasing questions from other council members, Crain has asked city staff to complete an informal report on data centers.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
The six-bedroom residence measures about 8,500 square feet with both formal reception rooms and informal living spaces.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Lykke Leonardsen, who runs Copenhagen’s Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions program and serves as the city’s informal water ambassador, told me that the intent was to hold hearings, win approval in August, and invest gradually.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Following these delays, and increasing questions from other council members, Crain has asked city staff to complete an informal report on data centers.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
The six-bedroom residence measures about 8,500 square feet with both formal reception rooms and informal living spaces.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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