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
1
: the quality or state of being informal : lack of regular, prescribed, or customary form
wayside camps, where the informality of hardships loosened tongues—
Mabel R. Gillis
Mabel R. Gilliseveryday speech in all its informality and ease—R. A. Hall, born 1911
R. A. Hall, born 19112
: an informal act or proceeding
the wedding ceremony was enlivened by several unexpected informalities
Examples of informal in a Sentence
Adjective
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
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 July 2026
In responses to an informal online survey and comments on Instagram, readers weighed in on which neighborhood is the Queen City’s LGBTQ neighborhood.
—
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
Africa’s biggest economy is buckling under a more than 30% unemployment rate, rising food inflation, and an informal retail sector where millions compete for survival.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Recognition Over Silence Remote team members don't get the informal acknowledgment that office workers do.
—
Braden Yuill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Adjective
The service Upscale and informal—anything else would feel inappropriate here.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 July 2026
In responses to an informal online survey and comments on Instagram, readers weighed in on which neighborhood is the Queen City’s LGBTQ neighborhood.
—
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
Africa’s biggest economy is buckling under a more than 30% unemployment rate, rising food inflation, and an informal retail sector where millions compete for survival.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Recognition Over Silence Remote team members don't get the informal acknowledgment that office workers do.
—
Braden Yuill,
Forbes.com,
1 July 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 6 Jul. 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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