insider

noun

in·​sid·​er (ˌ)in-ˈsī-dər How to pronounce insider (audio)
ˈin-ˌsī-
Synonyms of insidernext
: a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: such as
a
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information
b
: a person (such as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

Examples of insider in a Sentence

Political insiders say that she is planning to run for president. The book gives fans an insider's view of Hollywood.
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.
But even as top European content industry insiders gathered to hear Bajaria speak, chatter about her future fired back up in Hollywood this week. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 Several insiders noted that a site like Tom House is unique in the American cultural landscape, and indeed rare on a global scale. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 But some insiders say her district’s demographics combined with statewide and national political trends could spell trouble in her race against former Matthews town Commissioner Ken McCool. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026 Sources told Page Six that Charles’ absence made many nervous, and royal insiders began speculating that his work schedule has been reduced. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insider

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insider was in 1848

Phrases Containing insider

Rhymes for insider

See All Rhymes for insider

Browse Nearby Words

inside quire
insider
inside right
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insider. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insider

noun
in·​sid·​er (ˈ)in-ˈsīd-ər How to pronounce insider (audio)
: a person who is a member of a special group or organization

Legal Definition

insider

noun
in·​sid·​er
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information: as
a
: one (as an officer, director, employee, relative, or owner of more than 10% of the corporation's stock) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company
b
: an individual (as a relative or an influential party) or entity (as a corporate affiliate) having a close relationship with a debtor such that transactions are not made at arm's length and are subject to closer scrutiny than the transactions of those dealing at arm's length

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