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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- aliases
- Third person singular
- aliases
- Past tense
- aliased
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".
Synonyms
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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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