# alibi

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈæl.ə.baɪ/ · frequency rank #25,274

## Definitions
1. 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.
2. An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.

## Etymology
From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.

## Easily confused with
- **alive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alive)
- **alien** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alien)
- **Alice** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alice)
- **alike** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alike)
- **align** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-align)
- **Alina** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alina)
- **aline** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-aline)
- **Alicia** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alibi-vs-alicia)
- **Ali** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ali-vs-alibi)
- **Abi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/abi-vs-alibi)
- **alb** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alb-vs-alibi)
- **alba** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alba-vs-alibi)
- **alias** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/alias-vs-alibi)

## Common misspellings (6)
`ailbi`, `albii`, `alibbi`, `aliib`, `allibi`, `laibi`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/alibi