infomercial

American  

[in-fuh-mur-shuhl, -foh-] / ˌɪn fəˈmɜr ʃəl, -foʊ- /

noun

Radio and Television.

1. a long commercial that informs or instructs, especially in an original and entertaining manner.

   an infomercial on making Christmas decorations using the sponsor's brand of glue.

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infomercial British  

/ ˌɪnfəˈmɜːʃəl /

noun

1. a short film, usually for television, which advertises a product or service in an informative way

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Etymology

Origin of infomercial

Blend of information and commercial

Example Sentences

They tap into the latest methods — radio, television, 1-800 numbers, billboards, bus stop benches and infomercials — to burn their brands into consumers’ consciousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Miranda likes to rub Vaseline on her hands and put them inside luxury conditioning gloves while watching infomercials, while Charlotte loves to study her pores in a magnifying mirror for one whole hour every night.

From Salon

In a 30-minute infomercial, Garvey told viewers they could lose weight while eating high-calorie foods like barbecued ribs and buttered biscuits by taking two pills called the “Fat Trapper” and “Exercise in a Bottle.”

From Los Angeles Times

A couple of aides told me, a little implausibly, that the former president is not tuning into the Democratic National Convention because he has no interest in watching a Democratic Party "infomercial".

From BBC

Lee invested in an infomercial, and her telegenic presence gained attention.

From Salon