alright

American  

[awl-rahyt] / ɔlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. all right.

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alright British  

/ ɔːlˈraɪt /

adverb

1. a variant spelling of all right

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Spelling

The form alright as a one-word spelling of the phrase all right in all of its senses probably arose by analogy with such words as already and altogether. Although alright is a common spelling in written dialogue and in other types of informal writing, all right is used in more formal, edited writing.

Usage

The form alright, though very common, is still considered by many people to be wrong or less acceptable than all right

Etymology

Origin of alright

First recorded in 1660–70

Explanation

Alright is the informal way of writing "all right." It can stand in for "okay," like the sandwich you had for lunch that was just alright — it was neither great nor terrible. In a nutshell, alright means "fine" or "satisfactory": "Are the kids alright on that Ferris wheel?" You can use it to show that you agree with something someone said: "Oh alright, I get it." This one-word spelling of "all right" is okay when texting with your friends, but don't use it when you are looking to impress, such as in a thank-you letter following a job interview.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

alright

"The cats are alright -- they are in the house and have things to eat. I left it all for them. The only thing is that the floor will be dirty."

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

"I am praying. Praying that she is alright," she said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Matthew McConaughey trademarked his taffylike delivery of “Alright alright alright.”

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

"His bowling, he was throwing it but it was alright," Mahmood laughed.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

“It’s alright, Yule May. I know you can’t do it.”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett