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
Hicks sold crack cocaine and heroin twice to undercover informants in Hammond in August 2023.
—
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors said Coberg and Cadman lied to the deputy, saying that an informant tipped them off, which prompted the traffic stop.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
The Islamic State member was plotting an attack in the United States and believed it would be carried out by the informant and Jalloh, court documents said.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Women were central — as planners, fighters, informants, protectors, logisticians, and spiritual anchors.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informant
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Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors said Coberg and Cadman lied to the deputy, saying that an informant tipped them off, which prompted the traffic stop.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
The Islamic State member was plotting an attack in the United States and believed it would be carried out by the informant and Jalloh, court documents said.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Women were central — as planners, fighters, informants, protectors, logisticians, and spiritual anchors.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 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 21 Mar. 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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