ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alt

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈɑɫt// alt
  1. 1 computer key (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    a key on a computer keyboard that you press with another key to perform a special action.

    a modifier key on a computer keyboard used to change the function of other pressed keys.

    Example

    To close the window, you can press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time.

    Example

    The user struggled to navigate the software because the Alt key on their laptop was stuck, preventing them from using essential keyboard shortcuts.
    • modifier key
  2. 2 secondary account (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang Computing

    a second or extra account that someone uses on a website or in a game.

    an alternate or secondary user account, typically used in online gaming or social media to maintain a separate identity.

    Example

    He logged into his alt to practice the game without losing his main rank.

    Example

    Moderators discovered that the disruptive user was actually an alt created by someone who had been banned earlier that week.
  3. 3 alternative investment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    an investment that is not a standard stock or bond, like gold or property.

    an alternative investment or fund that falls outside the traditional categories of stocks, bonds, or cash.

    Example

    The bank suggested putting some money into alts to protect the portfolio.

    Example

    Institutional investors are increasingly allocating capital to alts, such as private equity and real estate, to diversify against market volatility.
  4. 4 high pitch (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a very high pitch in music, usually the highest notes a voice or instrument can reach.

    a high musical pitch or range, specifically the octave above the treble stave.

    Example

    The soprano sang the final note in alt, impressing the entire audience.

    Example

    The score requires the soloist to perform several passages in alt, demanding exceptional vocal control and range.
    • high pitch
  5. 5 alternative or non-mainstream (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    different from what is usual or popular; often used for music or fashion.

    denoting a style or subculture that exists outside the mainstream; a clipping of 'alternative'.

    Example

    She loves the alt fashion scene and often buys clothes from independent designers.

    Example

    The festival featured several alt-rock bands that had gained a massive following through underground streaming platforms.
  6. 6 to switch accounts (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Computing

    to switch to using a secondary account online.

    to use or switch to an alternate or secondary account, particularly in a digital environment.

    Example

    I'm going to alt for a bit so I can play with my lower-level friends.

    Example

    The player was accused of alting to bypass the competitive matchmaking restrictions and play against less experienced opponents.
Etymology 1

From Latin altus (“high”). Doublet of old and alto.

Etymology 2

Abbreviations.

Etymology 3

From German Alt.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026