alibi
Alibi (noun) means a claim or proof that someone was somewhere else when a crime took place. Example: “His alibi checked out — he was at work during the robbery.”
How to use alibi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProof or a claim that you were elsewhere when something happened, or loosely, any excuse.
Strictly, "alibi" refers to proof of location, not just any excuse — careful writers keep it for that legal sense, though everyday speech uses it more loosely.
Word forms
alibied past tense, alibis plural, alibis singular, alibies singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ checked out — he was at work during the robbery.
Etymology
From Latin alibi, meaning "elsewhere" — the legal defence literally claims the accused was somewhere else.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for alibi
See all rhymes for alibi →Frequently asked questions
What does “alibi” mean?
The word “alibi” means a claim or proof that someone was somewhere else when a crime took place. In plain terms, proof or a claim that you were elsewhere when something happened, or loosely, any excuse.
How do you pronounce “alibi”?
“Alibi” is pronounced AL-uh-beye (/ˈæl.ə.baɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “alibi” in a sentence?
Here is “alibi” used in a sentence: “His alibi checked out — he was at work during the robbery.”
What part of speech is “alibi”?
“Alibi” is a noun.
Where does the word “alibi” come from?
The word “alibi” comes from Latin. From Latin alibi, meaning "elsewhere" — the legal defence literally claims the accused was somewhere else.
How many meanings does “alibi” have?
“Alibi” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a claim or proof that someone was somewhere else when a crime took place.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include alibi: