alias
Americannoun
adverb
adverb
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of alias
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin: “at another time, otherwise”; see also else
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."
Vocabulary lists containing alias
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Bud, Not Buddy
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The Westing Game
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias 'Nino Guerrero,' was "neutralized" in southeastern Bolivar state, Venezuela's Ministry of Communications said in a statement Friday.
From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026
Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias Nino Guerrero, or "child warrior," died at age 42 in a raid announced Friday by President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Venezuela.
From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026
We contacted him using an alias, and it only took a couple of emails and a short phone call to arrange a next day delivery from him.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
Pauken moved to China in 2010 and worked under the alias Tom McGregor as his father didn’t wish to appear associated with the son’s activities in China, according to prosecution documents.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
It’s an alias, a fake name used for his protection.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
