informant

noun

in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)
: a person who gives information: such as
a
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The government in that case, a civil lawsuit, has relied on a 2019 local police report, which used information from a confidential informant to allege Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13. Andrew Goudsward and Ted Hesson, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 Abrego Garcia's lawyers argue the MS-13 allegations are based largely on an accusation from a confidential informant who accused him of being a member of the gang in New York, where Abrego Garcia has never lived. Joel Rose, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025 The Justice Department is reconsidering its case against a former FBI informant who was indicted for fabricating a claim that former President Biden and his son Hunter Biden accepted a bribe. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025 Abrego Garcia’s attorney denied the gang affiliation and said the government provided no evidence beyond a single Department of Homeland Security informant. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for informant

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of informant was in 1641

Cite this Entry

“Informant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informant. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

informant

noun
in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)

Legal Definition

informant

noun
in·​for·​mant in-ˈfȯr-mənt How to pronounce informant (audio)
: one who informs against another
specifically : one who makes a practice especially for money of informing police of others' criminal activities

More from Merriam-Webster on informant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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