Alpha‐monolaurin is reported to exhibit strong antiviral and antibacterial effects. This paves the way for its use as a new generation of feed additives. The experiment was carried out to examine the effects of the inclusion of alpha‐monolaurin as a feed additive for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth and immune response. Four diets were formulated to include alpha‐monolaurin at 0, 2, 4, and 6 g alpha‐monolaurin kg−1 diets and fed to the Nile tilapia (initial weight, 3.19 ± 0.11 g) for 70 days. Compared to those of the control group, the final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and efficiency of feed of fish fed 4 and 6 g alpha‐monolaurin kg−1 diets were (P ≤ 0.05) higher. The diet supplemented with a 2 g alpha‐monolaurin kg−1 diet (P ≤ 0.05) improved endogenous amylase and lipase more than other treatments. The intestinal villus length, width, and goblet cell number were …