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alibi

/ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ/  ·  say it: AL·uh·by

proof of being elsewhere when a crime occurred

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) a claim or proof that you were somewhere else when a crime happened, so you could not have committed it

2. (noun) an excuse or reason given to explain why you did not do something

Examples

• 1. The suspect had a solid alibi—he was at home with his family when the robbery occurred. 2. She gave an alibi for missing the meeting, saying her car broke down.

How to use alibi

Alibi originally refers to a legal defense proving someone was elsewhere during a crime, but it has broadened to mean any excuse or explanation for not doing something. In formal or legal contexts, it maintains its primary meaning; in informal contexts, it often functions like 'excuse.' The word carries a slight suggestion that the explanation might be false or convenient.

Common phrases

• provide an alibi
• establish an alibi
• have an alibi
• a solid alibi
• alibi doesn't hold up

Synonyms

excuse · justification · pretext · defense · explanation

Word family

alibis (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'alibi' to mean simply 'an excuse' without understanding it specifically refers to a claim about one's whereabouts. Also, 'alibi' cannot be used as a verb in standard English (*he alibied his absence is incorrect); use 'provide an alibi' instead.

Nearby in Law & Justice

class action, due process, liability, amnesty, bail, the bar

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained