alias

[ ey-lee-uhs ]

noun

, plural a·li·as·es.

1. a false name used to conceal one's identity; an assumed name:

   The police files indicate that “Smith” is an alias for Simpson.

   Synonyms: pseudonym, nom de plume, nom de guerre

adverb

1. at another time; in another place; in other circumstances; otherwise: “Simpson alias Smith” means that Simpson in other circumstances has called himself Smith.

alias

/ ˈeɪlɪəs /

adverb

1. at another time or place known as or named

   Dylan, alias Zimmerman

noun

1. an assumed name

Word History and Origins

Origin of alias¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin: “at another time, otherwise”; else

Word History and Origins

Origin of alias¹

C16: from Latin aliās (adv) otherwise, at another time, from alius other

Example Sentences

Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis remanded 21-year-old David Ssengozi, alias Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri , 28, to Kigo prison until Wednesday when they will make an initial court appearance.

From BBC

He adopted “Dec Martens” as a kind of punk rock alias, like the Germs’ Darby Crash or Pat Smear.

From Los Angeles Times

Moyano was arrested on March 13 in Glendale where there was a warrant out for his arrest under his alias, Nicholas Hernandez.

From Los Angeles Times

This family is almost perfect in its All American-meets-New American mode, like they were dreamed up in the Erewhon origin novel, with beauty as their alias, so you’d never know there are underlying health issues inspiring their commitment to clean living.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite not using an alias and having prior convictions, Alcala was hired by The Times as a typesetter in September 1977.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assumed name
• moniker
• pseudonym
• stage name