# alt

/ˈɑɫt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alt
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. computer key

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- To close the window, you can press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time.
- The user struggled to navigate the software because the Alt key on their laptop was stuck, preventing them from using essential keyboard shortcuts.

### 2. secondary account

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

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

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

- He logged into his alt to practice the game without losing his main rank.
- Moderators discovered that the disruptive user was actually an alt created by someone who had been banned earlier that week.

### 3. alternative investment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The bank suggested putting some money into alts to protect the portfolio.
- Institutional investors are increasingly allocating capital to alts, such as private equity and real estate, to diversify against market volatility.

### 4. high pitch

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The soprano sang the final note in alt, impressing the entire audience.
- The score requires the soloist to perform several passages in alt, demanding exceptional vocal control and range.

### 5. alternative or non-mainstream

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- She loves the alt fashion scene and often buys clothes from independent designers.
- The festival featured several alt-rock bands that had gained a massive following through underground streaming platforms.

### 6. to switch accounts

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to switch to using a secondary account online.

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

- I'm going to alt for a bit so I can play with my lower-level friends.
- The player was accused of alting to bypass the competitive matchmaking restrictions and play against less experienced opponents.

## Examples

- I post my digital art on my alt instead of my main profile.
- She forgot to switch to her alt before replying to the comment, accidentally revealing her identity to her followers.
- The prevalence of alt accounts within online communities allows users to compartmentalize their digital personas, though it can also complicate efforts to moderate platform behavior effectively.

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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.