informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt 
: a person who gives information: such as
a
: informer
b
: one who supplies cultural or linguistic data in response to interrogation by an investigator
Examples of informant in a Sentence
The police were alerted to the plot by a paid informant.
We learned the language with the help of a native informant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sandweg said one of the director's most underappreciated responsibilities is managing that internal fault line, ensuring that ERO's highly visible arrest operations do not undermine HSI's ability to cultivate the confidential informants and foreign partnerships on which its work depends.
—
Philip Wang, Time, 18 May 2026
The fabrication only came out when the informant pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice at his own sentencing hearing.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Lea Garofalo Lea Garofalo was an Italian civilian informant whose break with the ’Ndrangheta ended in her murder.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Tim Nicholls allegedly confessed the murder plot to another prisoner while awaiting trial, and that man then became an informant and a key witness for the prosecution.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for informant
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Philip Wang, Time, 18 May 2026
The fabrication only came out when the informant pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice at his own sentencing hearing.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Lea Garofalo Lea Garofalo was an Italian civilian informant whose break with the ’Ndrangheta ended in her murder.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Tim Nicholls allegedly confessed the murder plot to another prisoner while awaiting trial, and that man then became an informant and a key witness for the prosecution.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for informant
Cite this Entry
“Informant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informant. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: informer
Legal Definition
informant
noun
in·for·mant
in-ˈfȯr-mənt
: one who informs against another
specifically
: one who makes a practice especially for money of informing police of others' criminal activities
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