The article covers the study of the issue of the origin and interpretation of the meanings of the term information based on entries in English-language dictionaries. Primary attention is paid to the content of entries in law dictionaries and encyclopedias of English-speaking countries. The issue is part of the problem of etimology and semantics of the term information. The article describes the methodology for selecting sources for analysis, comparative characteristics of sources. Based on the presented dictionary and encyclopedia entries, a conclusion is made about the interpretation of the term information that is typical for English law dictionaries. The results of the study can be used in legislation to clarify the meaning of individual definitions, in legal practice to clarify international documents, in expert activities for the interpretation of legal texts, as well as in the educational process for the training of philologists and lawyers.