alpha

1 of 2

noun

al·​pha ˈal-fə 

plural alphas

1

: the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet see Alphabet Table

2

a

: something that is first : beginning compare omega see also alpha and omega

b

: something or someone designated with the name alpha or the Greek letter α especially denoting the first in position, order, or class

3

: alpha wave

4

: alpha particle

5

: the first version of a product (such as a computer program) that is being developed and tested

—usually used before another noun

alpha versions

alpha testing

also : a stage of product development in which alpha prototypes are released

a product that is available in alpha

compare beta

6

: a socially dominant person or animal

Mike is the ringleader, the alpha of the group. Tom is his wingman …

—Jason Blake

[Kamala] Harris came with a clear plan, was well prepared, and executed perfectly. The fact that she was willing to take on Biden, the front-runner, signaled that she was the alpha on the stage.

—Philip Klein

The rest of the animals hold positions in the pecking order below the alphas and respect their leadership roles, although they may challenge other wolves (even alphas) to raise their rank.

—C. C. Holland

alpha

2 of 2

adjective

1

: closest in the structure of an organic molecule to a particular group or atom

—symbol α

α-substitution

2

: socially dominant especially in a group of animals

an alpha male

3

: alphabetic

Synonyms

Noun

• beginning
• start
• onset
• inception
• launch
• commencement

Examples of alpha in a Sentence

Noun

money is not the alpha and omega—the beginning and end—of life's purpose

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The alpha in this duo is Teddy Gatz (Jesse Plemons). —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025

Adjective

In terms of competition, though, Huawei is the alpha dog in Chinese AI chips, shipping between 300,000 and 400,000 of its Ascend AI chips last year, compared to just north of 10,000 units from Cambricon. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

The powerhouse seed is also a good source of antioxidants, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (specifically alpha-linolenic acid), lignans, magnesium, and vitamin B1. —Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew āleph aleph

Adjective

(sense 2) from attributive use of alpha entry 1; (sense 3) by shortening

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alpha

• alpha-adrenergic
• alpha and omega
• alpha-fetoprotein
• alpha globulin
• alpha-helix
• alpha hydroxy acid
• alpha interferon
• alpha iron
• alpha male
• alpha particle
• alpha privative
• alpha-receptor
• alpha test
• alpha-tocopherol
• alpha wave
• interferon alpha
• the alpha and omega

Rhymes for alpha

• alfa
• alfalfa

Kids Definition

alpha

noun

al·​pha

ˈal-fə

1

: the first letter of the Greek alphabet

—A or α

2

: something that is first : beginning

Medical Definition

alpha

1 of 2 noun

al·​pha ˈal-fə 

1

: the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet

—symbol Α or α

2

: alpha particle

3

: alpha wave

alpha

2 of 2 adjective

variants or α-

1

: of or relating to one of two or more closely related chemical substances

the alpha chain of hemoglobin

α-yohimbine

—used somewhat arbitrarily to specify ordinal relationship or a particular physical form, especially one that is allotropic, isomeric, stereoisomeric, or sometimes polymeric (as in α-D-glucose)

2

: closest in position in the structure of an organic molecule to a particular group or atom

also : occurring at or having a structure characterized by such a position

α-substitution