insider

[ in-sahy-der ]

noun

1. a person who is a member of a group, organization, society, etc.
2. a person belonging to a limited circle of persons who understand the actual facts in a situation or share private knowledge:

   Insiders knew that the president would veto the bill.

3. a person who has some special advantage or influence.
4. a person in possession of corporate information not generally available to the public, as a director, an accountant, or other officer or employee of a corporation.

insider

/ ˌɪnˈsaɪdə /

noun

1. a member of a specified group
2. a person with access to exclusive information

Word History and Origins

Origin of insider¹

First recorded in 1820–30; inside + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Kamarck said it’s crucial to get insiders to help with reforms.

From Los Angeles Times

One insider got in touch about the envoy role and said: "We all thought it was a bad idea that would lead to endless drama and probably another resignation down the line."

From BBC

The insider who provided these figures to the publication said.

From Salon

But the insider noted with a hint of worry that some “minimally acceptable people are starting to say they don’t want a role”.

From BBC

One insider told me, “the worst thing we could do is spend more and spend it badly … the number needs to go up but we absolutely need to get a proper grip of procurement.”

From BBC

Related Words

• aide
• associate
• co-conspirator
• collaborator
• conspirator