alias

American  

[ey-lee-uhs] / ˈeɪ li əs /

noun

plural

aliases

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

Etymology

Origin of alias

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

Example Sentences

The BBC has uncovered a list of previous convictions for Daniel – who, according to court documents, also used the alias Douglas Duncan.

From BBC

Authorities said his aliases included “El Jefe,” “Public Enemy” and “James Conrad Kin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Aunt Kitty held her tongue, but I knew she wanted to remind Mr. Pinkerton to maintain our aliases and call me Charity.

From Literature

The study’s author, Prof. Arthur Santana, concluded that when people can’t hide behind an alias, they are much more likely to remain civil.

From The Wall Street Journal

Competing services such as Microsoft Outlook have long allowed users to easily change their primary address by adding an “alias.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assumed name
• moniker
• pseudonym
• stage name