noun
alibi
AL-uh-beye
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.”
noun
1
A claim or proof that someone was somewhere else when a crime took place.
"His alibi checked out — he was at work during the robbery."
"The detective quickly punched a hole in the suspect's alibi."
2
(informal) Any excuse offered to avoid blame.
"Being tired is not a good alibi for missing the deadline."
How to use alibi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProof or a claim that you were elsewhere when something happened, or loosely, any excuse.
Common mistake
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.
Common pairings
solid alibi
provide an alibi
check someone's alibi
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Word forms
- Plural
- alibis
- Third person singular
- alibis, alibies
- Past tense
- alibied
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.
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