noun

alpha male

AL-fuh MAYL

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Alpha male (noun) means a man seen as dominant, assertive and socially in charge, who takes the lead in a group and expects others to follow. Example: “He plays the alpha male in every meeting he walks into.”

noun

informal, often disparaging A man seen as dominant, assertive and socially in charge, who takes the lead in a group and expects others to follow.

"He plays the alpha male in every meeting he walks into."

"The film is about a pack of would-be alpha males on a stag weekend."

technical In animal behaviour, the highest-ranking male in a social group, with first access to food and mates.

"The alpha male chimpanzee kept the younger rivals at a distance."

"Researchers tracked how the alpha male of the troop was eventually displaced."

How to use alpha male

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA man who acts like the dominant one in the group.

When to use it

Informal and increasingly mocking; in serious writing about behaviour, prefer 'dominant male'.

Memory tip

The plural is 'alpha males', and the shortened form 'alpha' can stand alone: 'he thinks he's an alpha'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

beta male sigma male dominant →

Common pairings

classic alpha male alpha male energy alpha male behaviour act like an alpha male

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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He plays the _____ in every meeting he walks into.

Etymology

From alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, used in animal behaviour studies to label the top-ranking individual in a group.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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dominant male top dog leader of the pack

Antonyms

beta male

Related words

underdog

Rhymes for alpha male

ale male sale pale gale tale kale vale dale Yale bale hale

See all rhymes for alpha male →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an alpha male and a beta male?

In the popular usage, an alpha male is cast as dominant, confident and commanding, while a beta male is cast as agreeable, deferential and supportive. Both are informal social labels rather than recognised psychological categories.

Is the alpha male idea scientifically accurate?

Largely not, as it is usually applied to people. The term came from early studies of captive wolf packs, and researchers later found that wild wolf packs are typically family groups led by breeding parents, so the 'alpha' framing has been substantially revised.

Is calling someone an alpha male a compliment?

It depends entirely on tone. Some people use it admiringly of a confident leader, but it very often carries a mocking edge, suggesting swagger and posturing rather than real authority.

What is the meaning of alpha male?

"alpha male" (noun) means a man seen as dominant, assertive and socially in charge, who takes the lead in a group and expects others to follow.

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