1
: having life : not dead or inanimate
trying to keep the plant alive
2
a
: still in existence, force, or operation : active
kept hope alive
b
: still active in competition with a chance of victory
must win to stay alive in the playoffs
3
: knowing or realizing the existence of something : sensitive
alive to the danger
4
: marked by alertness, energy, or briskness
his face came alive at the mention of food
5
: marked by much life, animation, or activity : swarming
streets alive with traffic
6
—used as an intensive following the noun
the proudest boy alive
aliveness
noun
Cite this Entry
“Alive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alive. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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