pen name

noun

: an author's pseudonym

Examples of pen name in a Sentence

Samuel L. Clemens is better known by his pen name “Mark Twain.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The police show Caroline Darian, the middle child and only daughter (who goes by a pen name) two photos recovered from her father’s electronics that show her sleeping in a strange position, with the duvet pulled back and the lights on. Catherine Porter, New York Times, 19 Dec. 2024 Penned under Pyper’s sci-fi/thriller pen name Mason Coile, William hit store shelves September 3 via Putnam. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024 Based on the classic Stephen King novel written under pen name Richard Bachman, The Running Man is set in an oppressive future where the government controls the media. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 The Baby Driver filmmaker co-wrote script with Michael Bacall based on the Stephen King novel that was published under his then pen name of Richard Bachman. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pen name 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pen name was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near pen name

Cite this Entry

“Pen name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20name. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pen name

noun
: a false name used by an author

More from Merriam-Webster on pen name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!