First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1alien
adjective \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\
: not familiar or like other things you have known : different from what you are used to
: from another country
: too different from something to be acceptable or suitable
Full Definition of ALIEN
1
2
: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility
— alien·ly adverb
— alien·ness \-lē-ən-nəs, -yən-nəs\ noun
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Origin of ALIEN
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alienus, from alius
Synonym Discussion of ALIEN
extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature <sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value>. extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part <arguments extraneous to the issue>. foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated <techniques foreign to French cuisine>. alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability <a practice totally alien to her nature>.
2alien
noun
: a person who was born in a different country and is not a citizen of the country in which he or she now lives
: a creature that comes from somewhere other than the planet Earth
Full Definition of ALIEN
1
: a person of another family, race, or nation
2
: a foreign-born resident who has not been naturalized and is still a subject or citizen of a foreign country; broadly : a foreign-born citizen
3
4
: exotic 1
See alien defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ALIEN
14th century
3alien
verb
Definition of ALIEN
transitive verb
2
: to make over (as property)
First Known Use of ALIEN
14th century
ALIEN Defined for Kids
1alien
adjective \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\
Definition of ALIEN for Kids
1
: different from what is familiar <Keeping their hands clean was an alien idea to the young boys.>
2
: from another country and not a citizen of the country of residence : foreign <an alien resident>
3
: from somewhere other than the planet earth <an alien spaceship>
2alien
noun
Definition of ALIEN for Kids
1
: a resident who was born elsewhere and is not a citizen of the country in which he or she now lives
2
: a being that comes from somewhere other than the planet earth
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