# alias

/ˈeɪɫiəs/ (US) · /ˈeɪliəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alias
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a false name

noun · CEFR B2

a false name that a person uses, often to hide who they really are.

For teachers: a false or assumed name, typically used to conceal one's true identity.

- The spy traveled across the border using an alias and a fake passport.
- The suspect had operated under several different aliases for years, making it nearly impossible for the authorities to track his financial history.

### 2. computing shortcut

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a short name or command that stands for a longer one to save time.

For teachers: a user-defined shortcut or abbreviation that represents a longer command or string of commands.

- I created an alias for that long command so I only have to type two letters.
- By setting up an alias in the shell configuration, the developer significantly reduced the time spent on repetitive directory navigation.

### 3. also known as

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to introduce a second name that someone is known by.

For teachers: used to indicate that a person or thing is also known by another name.

- The famous criminal, alias 'The Fox', was finally caught yesterday.
- The document listed the defendant as Robert Miller, alias 'Bobby the Gent', to ensure all known identities were legally recognized.

Usage: Usually placed between the primary name and the secondary name.

### 4. to give a second name

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to give a file or a piece of data a second, easier name.

For teachers: to assign an alternative identifier to a data object or command.

- You can alias this complex database column to make the report easier to read.
- The software allows users to alias network drives, providing a consistent path regardless of the underlying hardware configuration.

## Examples

- He uses an alias when he writes online.
- The detective tracked the suspect under an alias to avoid detection.
- In literature, the use of an alias often signals a character's desire to reinvent themselves or escape a burdensome past.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.