Pronunciations (2)
-
/ˈæl.ə.baɪ/
Pronunciation notes
- US
-
ˈæl.ə.baɪ
Pronunciation notes
- US
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.
- Examples
-
to set up an alibi
to prove an alibi
More examples (2)
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.
An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.
Usage- proscribed
- sometimes
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
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
Verb
To provide an alibi for.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
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.'
To provide an excuse for.
Usage- Transitive
Noun
(law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that they could not have committed the crime in question
- Broader terms
a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
he kept finding excuses to stay
every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job
More examples (1)
his transparent self-justification was unacceptable
Verb
exonerate by means of an alibi