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

---

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

---

noun

1. an assumed name

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."

Example Sentences

The Cockroaches is an alias that lead singer Mick Jagger, fellow founding bandmate Keith Richards and bass guitarist Ronnie Wood have used in the past to play secret shows.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

In a new BBC Sounds podcast Secrets of the Salt Path, Winn's lawyers confirmed on her behalf that she previously wrote a book under the alias Izzy Wyn-Thomas.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

An StB file from 1982 bears the Slovak-born Babis's signature under the alias "Bures", a fairly common surname.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

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 • Jan. 7, 2026

Except I couldn’t figure out who was a criminal here and why anybody needed a alias.

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

• assumed name
• moniker
• pseudonym
• stage name