Alternate airport Regulation

Alternate airport means an airport at which an aircraft may land if a landing at the intended airport becomes inadvisable.

14 CFR 1.1 · the regulation governs
Also defined in 1 more source

An airport designated in an IFR flight plan, providing a suitable destination if a landing at the intended airport becomes inadvisable.

Guidance: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, p. G-3