English · Word Candidate

alien

/ˈeɪ.li.ən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: aliens · aliening · aliened

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

A person, animal, plant, or other thing which is from outside the family, group, organization, or territory under consideration.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Người, động vật, thực vật hoặc thứ khác từ bên ngoài

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

An animated film intended to inform travellers about the dangers that alien species present to Arctic ecosystems is being released today. The message is that it is important to ensure that nobody accidentally brings alien species with them as stowaways in their clothing, baggage or equipment.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

A citizen or national of another sovereign state.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Công dân hoặc quốc gia của một quốc gia có chủ quyền khác

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

An alien born may purchase lands, or other estates: but not for his own use; for the king is thereupon entitled to them.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Not belonging to the same country, land, or government, or to the citizens or subjects thereof; foreign.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Không thuộc về cùng một quốc gia, đất đai hoặc chính phủ

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Adjective

Examples

alien subjects, enemies, property, or shores

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Very unfamiliar, strange, or removed.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Rất không quen thuộc, lạ lẫm hoặc xa cách

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Adjective

Examples

principles alien to our religion

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “alien” mean?

A person, animal, plant, or other thing which is from outside the family, group, organization, or territory under consideration.

Is “alien” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.