alias

American  

[ay-lee-uhs] / ˈeɪ li əs /

noun

• aliases
  plural

1. a false name used to conceal one's identity; an assumed name.

   The police files indicate that “Smith” is an alias for Simpson.

   Synonyms:

   pseudonym, nom de plume, nom de guerre

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adverb

1. at another time; in another place; in other circumstances; otherwise: “Simpson alias Smith” means that Simpson in other circumstances has called himself Smith.

alias British  

/ ˈeɪlɪəs /

adverb

1. at another time or place known as or named

   Dylan, alias Zimmerman

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noun

1. an assumed name

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• aliases
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of alias

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin: “at another time, otherwise”; see also else

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Explanation

Your alias could be as important as the name you use when you’re on the run or as simple as your screen name on a social networking site. Either way, an alias is a temporary name, one you don’t use all the time or for every occasion. If you crash your parents' lovingly-restored sports car into the garage when you aren't even supposed to be driving it, it might be easier to skip town and live under an assumed name, or alias, than deal with their reaction. Alias can also be used as an adverb to mean "also known as." Your parents might be less than thrilled when you introduce your new boyfriend, "John Smith, alias Lock-Jaw Johnnie, wanted in 39 states."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alias aliases

Artex is an open-source AI agent developed by Li Puhua, a Chinese cybersecurity engineer who uses the alias Autumn.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

She already had the beauty and brains, all she’d need was an alias, a leotard and a notebook.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

Once the video went viral, it appears Eatherly realized he was on to something and soon created his alias, Chud the Builder.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

Hussain first contacted the woman using the fake alias of Mick Renney in April 2024 on social media.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Creighton introduced him by an alias the man sometimes uses.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

People signed up their pets, used aliases and played games with mailing addresses to bilk the company out of new releases for less than the cost of a penny.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

The workers often juggle multiple aliases simultaneously, and can hold down several jobs under each stolen name.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

Said, 48 years old, holds two British passports, one that expired this month and a second expiring in 2029, and has used several aliases, according to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026

Wedding's aliases include "El Jefe," "Giant," "Public Enemy," "James Conrad King," and "Jesse King", the FBI said.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026

"Two canaries,” Dad shouted, "known as Peter and Maggie and by other aliases, have flown the coop. No matter. We wouldn’t think of delaying you further.”

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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Related Words

• assumed name
• moniker
• pseudonym
• stage name

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