informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
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
informality noun
informally adverb

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 Having the same name as your kids streamlines many parts, both formal and informal, of parenting. Megan Angelo, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Pair this style with sandals for an informal wedding, or dress it up with heels or wedges for a cocktail spring wedding. Carly Totten, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 There’s a trailer painted entirely pink with two pink lawn chairs and a makeshift pink picket fence denoting the inhabitant’s informal property line. Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 Shaw drew the connection between 3.14 and March 14 during that retreat, and the first informal Pi Day was celebrated that same year at the museum to honor Oppenheimer's memory. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 The estimates ranged between 4% and as high as 20%, according to the report, which noes the estimates were informal and likely subject to significant bias. Matt Egan, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Many inmates receive money from relatives—hawala networks, informal cash-transfer systems, are sometimes allowed to relay funds to prisoners. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 But as the talks advance with the informal Ramadan deadline looming, officials across the region are concerned about the possibility of other violence. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 While technically and legally non-binding, the regulated public feels pressure to obey informal agency proclamaitons. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'informal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of informal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near informal

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
informality noun
informally adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal
: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules
an informal hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on informal

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