The abbreviation, which also appears as AKA and a.k.a., is often used figuratively and facetiously: “my cousin, aka the worst gossip in the neighborhood.”
First recorded in 1945–50
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Also of note, Paramount recently added all five seasons of “The Bureau” — aka “Le Bureau des Légendes” — the original French series that “The Agency” was adapted from.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026
A few months ago, seeking a mechanic to mod my Corolla, I was referred to an auto shop in Garden Grove aka Little Saigon.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026
"YouTube is where we all go to learn," says Dr Tom Crawford, aka Tom Rocks Maths, who shares maths skills with his 250,000 subscribers on YouTube, which is included in the ban.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026
Choi Seung-hyun – better known as T.O.P., aka Thanos from “Squid Game” Season 2 – quietly served up the most earth-shaking comeback album in South Korea this year.
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026
Anita, aka Thing Two, explains that this means Paul is having a good time.
From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead
Make it a work day in Elysian Valley, a.k.a.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026
It’s safe to say that Naomi Ramírez, a.k.a.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
“I have informed my agents that I will not be performing at the Freedom 250 event,” “Bust a Move” rapper Young MC, a.k.a.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026
A surprised Monika Ronk is staring at a $500,000 pile of cash that’s just been wheeled out in front of her by Jimmy Donaldson, a.k.a.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2026
My mom’s best friend, Sadie, a.k.a. my current boss, politely called it “ill-arranged.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
