Meaning & Definition of word "Alien"

Alien

/ˈeɪ.li.ən/

noun:

  • 1. A person from another country, often used in legal contexts regarding immigration.
    • Example: The alien applied for a visa to remain in the country.
  • 2. An extraterrestrial being.
    • Example: The movie depicted aliens coming to invade Earth.

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to or characteristic of a foreign nation or people.
    • Example: She found the customs of the alien culture fascinating.
  • 2. Strange or unfamiliar.
    • Example: The concept of teleportation felt alien to him.

Etymology

From Latin alienus meaning 'belonging to another, foreign, strange'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

alienation:

The feeling of being isolated or estranged.

alien species:

Non-native organisms that disrupt local ecosystems.

illegal alien:

A person who resides in a country unlawfully.

Related Words

extraterrestrial:

Related to beings from outside Earth.

immigrant:

A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

foreigner:

A person born in or coming from a country other than one's own.

Slang Meanings of alien

Meaning: Someone who is socially awkward or out of place.

Example Sentence: At the party, I felt like such an alien among all the cool kids.

Meaning: A person who is very different in behavior or style.

Example Sentence: He dresses so weirdly, I can't help but think he's an alien.