alternates; alternated; alternating
: to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series
To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. [=you should place a layer of tomatoes, then a layer of cheese, then a layer of tomatoes, etc.]
The poem/poet alternates fear and hope.
—often + withThe necklace is made by alternating glass beads with shells.
The poem/poet alternates fear and hope with each other. = The poem/poet alternates fear with hope.
The light and dark woods alternate to form an elegant pattern around the window.
—often + withLight woods alternate with dark woods.
—often + betweenThe poem alternates between fear and hope.
He alternates between riding his bike and taking the bus to work.
1
: occurring in or forming a repeated series
alternate sunshine and rain
Alternate shades of wood formed a pattern around the window.
2
—used to describe something that happens one time, does not happen the next time, happens again, etc.
The fair is held on alternate years. [=the fair is held every other/second year; the fair is held one year, not held the next year, held the following year, and so on]
She picks the children up from school on alternate days. [=(for example) she picks up the children on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday]
3
chiefly US
: other than the usual : alternative
We took an alternate route because of the traffic.
Due to an emergency, the plane landed at an alternate airport.
plural alternates
US
: someone who is chosen to take another person's place if that person is not able to be present or to do a required job
The town has elected five councilors and two alternates.
an alternate juror
Cite this Entry
“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/alternate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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