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
So even the informal school programs cannot really proceed.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
However, the region’s high informal employment rates, which hover around 50%, mean only a small share of the population actually benefits from the hikes.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026
One is expected to return containers that are clearly part of the originating household and are used for ferrying informal gifts — such as homemade pies or leftovers from family dinners.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Many participants extend the social aspect of the sport by bringing food and drinks for informal post-game beach picnics.
—Sierra Knoch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
However, the region’s high informal employment rates, which hover around 50%, mean only a small share of the population actually benefits from the hikes.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026
One is expected to return containers that are clearly part of the originating household and are used for ferrying informal gifts — such as homemade pies or leftovers from family dinners.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Many participants extend the social aspect of the sport by bringing food and drinks for informal post-game beach picnics.
—Sierra Knoch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 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 5 Jan. 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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