alibi
/ˈæl.ə.baɪ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.10 in modern English
7
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
3
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.
noun
An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.
Example Sentences
- "to set up an alibi"
- "to prove an alibi"
- "The judge said, “Son, what is your alibi? If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die.”"
- "Alibi is different from all of the other defenses . . . it is based upon the premise that the defendant is truly innocent."
- "That day in September, I'm sure you can remember / That's when all the stuff hit the fan (the stuff hit the fan) / You told me a lie, and you didn't have an alibi / But baby, yet I still cared"
- "Bond laughed. 'What an organization!' he said. 'I'm sure it's all beautifully covered up and alibied. What a man! He certainly seems to have the run of this country.'"
Etymology
Origin
- Source language: Latin
Word Breakdown
- Root: alibī, alibi
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈæl.ə.baɪ/