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noun Uncommon

alias

AY-lee-uhs

Alias (noun) means a false or assumed name used instead of a person's real one. Example: “The spy travelled under the alias "Mr. Grant".”

noun
1
A false or assumed name used instead of a person's real one.
"The spy travelled under the alias "Mr. Grant"."
"Police discovered the suspect had used three different aliases."
2
(computing) A short alternative name that stands in for a longer command, file, or database column.
"He set up an alias so typing "gs" would run the full git status command."
verb
1
To give something an additional, alternative name.
"You can alias the column so the report shows "Total Sales" instead of "sum_col_4"."

How to use alias

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA false or alternative name for a person, or a shortcut name for something in computing.

Common pairings
known by the alias use an alias go under an alias

Word forms

aliased past tense, aliases plural, aliases singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The spy travelled under the _____ "Mr. Grant".

Etymology

From Latin alias, meaning "at another time" or "otherwise" — the same root as "alien" and "else".

Origin: Latin

AKA

Related words

AKA

Rhymes for alias

See all rhymes for alias →

Frequently asked questions

What does “alias” mean?

The word “alias” means a false or assumed name used instead of a person's real one. In plain terms, a false or alternative name for a person, or a shortcut name for something in computing.

How do you pronounce “alias”?

“Alias” is pronounced AY-lee-uhs (/ˈeɪ.li.əs/ in IPA).

How do you use “alias” in a sentence?

Here is “alias” used in a sentence: “The spy travelled under the alias "Mr. Grant".”

What is another word for “alias”?

Words with a similar meaning to “alias” include AKA.

What part of speech is “alias”?

Depending on how it is used, “alias” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “alias” come from?

The word “alias” comes from Latin. From Latin alias, meaning "at another time" or "otherwise" — the same root as "alien" and "else".

Is “alias” a common word?

“Alias” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “alias” have?

“Alias” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a false or assumed name used instead of a person's real one.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial