al

plural als

1. uncountableusuallyThe Indian mulberry, Morinda citrifolia, especially as used to make dye.

   For quotations using this term, see Citations:al.

1. archaicArchaic form of all.

   Now if ye felt your belly in ſuche caſe, that ye muſt be fayne al daye to tende it with warme clothes, oꝛ els ye were not able to abide the payne, would ye recken your belly ſicke oꝛ whole? I wene ye would recken your belly not in good quart.

   c. 1522 (date written), Thomas More, “A Treatyce (Vnfynyshed) vppon These Wordes of Holye Scrypture, Memorare Nouissima, & Ineternum non Peccabis, Remember the Last Thynges, and Thou shalt Neuer Synne. […]”, in Wyllyam Rastell [i.e., William Rastell], editor, The Workes of Sir Thomas More Knyght, […], London: […] Iohn Cawod, Iohn Waly, and Richarde Tottell, published 30 April 1557, →OCLC, book I, page 80, column 1

plural ALs

1. abbreviationcountableinitialismuncountableInitialism of assembly language.
2. abbreviationcountableinitialismuncountableInitialism of artificial life.
3. abbreviationcountableinitialismuncountableInitialism of auxiliary language.
4. abbreviationcountableinitialismuncountableInitialism of annual leave.
5. abbreviationcountableinitialismuncountableInitialism of assisted living.

   Owners and operators of long-term care facilities may perceive AL as small scale nursing homes with fewer operational and staffing problems and therefore a higher return on their investment.

   2001, Kevan H. Namazi, Paul K. Chafetz, “Introduction: The Concept, the Terminology, and the Occupants”, in Kevan H. Namazi, Paul K. Chafetz, editors, Assisted Living: Current Issues in Facility Management and Resident Care, Westport, Conn.: Auburn House, →ISBN, page 1

   2 more examples

   We had to get him to sign the residency agreement for the AL facility...it was just a legality for that level of care. In AL setting, POA can't sign LO in as they can into a NH. Once they get the signature, there's no problem keeping the resident there even if they start to scream about wanting to leave.

   1999 December 28, Starword, “I am back with questions”, in alt.support.alzheimers (Usenet), archived from the original on 28 Jun 2025

   Another difficulty we face in AL is that residents cannot be forced to socialize, interact or otherwise get out to maintain a healthy emotional balance. In fact, we can't require residents to shower or even change their undergarment. Doing so can infringe on their rights.

   2017, K. Allen, “Easily Ms. Handled”, in Remembering What I Forgot, [Bradenton, Fla.]: Gwenlee Publishing, →ISBN, page 129

1. abbreviationAbbreviation of Alabama: a state of the United States.
2. abbreviationAbbreviation of Alagoas: a state of Brazil.
3. CanadaUSabbreviationinitialismball gamesInitialism of American League.

plural Als

1. sciencesAlfen number

1. A diminutive of the male given names Alan, Albert, Alexander, Alfred, and other male or female names beginning with Al- , from the Celtic languages, the Germanic languages, Ancient Greek, or Old English.

   In 2006 this city’s showcase event, the Sundance Film Festival, forged what promises to be an enduring link between the cinematic arts and things environmental with a debut screening of “An Inconvenient Truth,” the Al Gore documentary about global warming that went on to win an Academy Award.

   2009 January 17, Michael Cieply, “The Films Are Green, but Is Sundance?”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 26 Nov 2022

plural Als

1. A surname from Dutch.