alright

American  

[awl-rahyt] / ɔlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. all right.

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alright British  

/ ɔːlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. a variant spelling of all right

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Spelling

The form alright as a one-word spelling of the phrase all right in all of its senses probably arose by analogy with such words as already and altogether. Although alright is a common spelling in written dialogue and in other types of informal writing, all right is used in more formal, edited writing.

Usage

The form alright, though very common, is still considered by many people to be wrong or less acceptable than all right

Etymology

Origin of alright

First recorded in 1660–70

Explanation

Alright is the informal way of writing "all right." It can stand in for "okay," like the sandwich you had for lunch that was just alright — it was neither great nor terrible. In a nutshell, alright means "fine" or "satisfactory": "Are the kids alright on that Ferris wheel?" You can use it to show that you agree with something someone said: "Oh alright, I get it." This one-word spelling of "all right" is okay when texting with your friends, but don't use it when you are looking to impress, such as in a thank-you letter following a job interview.

Example Sentences

“I don’t even know how to attack it. God, so much to it. Alright, the moment of truth,” Kempczinski says in the clip, before nibbling the sandwich.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

"Alright, babes," he said trying to comfort her.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

The phrase had been present at the Super Bowl since 2020, amid the Black Lives Matter protests - for which Alright had become the unofficial soundtrack.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025

"Alright Senator Baldwin, why don't you get out here in this frozen lake, and let's really see who's from Wisconsin."

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2024

Alright wasn’t the word she would use, but Sierra kept up her smile and waved as she headed down the stairs.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older