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
While fake goods have exchanged hands in informal markets since ancient times, the growth of online marketplaces has contributed to the rise in counterfeits because of how easy online shopping and selling have become.
—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Humberto Leon, of Opening Ceremony, acted as something of a business mentor; Jennifer Sabel, a casting director and longtime friend, provided sporadic, informal investments—a couple thousand dollars here and there, with no strings attached.
—Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
What began as informal sessions quickly gained traction, eventually evolving into formal programs that continue to grow today.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Francis moved to allow informal, non-liturgical blessings of same-sex couples by a priest.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for informal
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Gabrielle Fonrouge,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Humberto Leon, of Opening Ceremony, acted as something of a business mentor; Jennifer Sabel, a casting director and longtime friend, provided sporadic, informal investments—a couple thousand dollars here and there, with no strings attached.
—Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
What began as informal sessions quickly gained traction, eventually evolving into formal programs that continue to grow today.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Francis moved to allow informal, non-liturgical blessings of same-sex couples by a priest.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2025.
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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