persona

noun

per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə 

-ˌnä

plural personae pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē 

-ˌnī

or personas

1

: a character assumed by an author in a written work

2

a

plural personas [New Latin, from Latin] : an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima

b

: the personality that a person (such as an actor or politician) projects in public : image

3

plural personae : a character in a fictional presentation (such as a novel or play)

—usually used in plural

comic personae

Examples of persona in a Sentence

His public persona is that of a strong, determined leader, but in private life he's very insecure.

The band takes on a whole new persona when they perform live.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some consider her methods and persona rare in college basketball, but few can argue her success. —Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Some security experts recommend creating secondary personas that can be offered up to customs officials while keeping a more sensitive account secret. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025

Last season, the contestants faced unpredictable challenges revolving around art, bingo, trivia questions and false personas. —Matt Minton, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025

After some time in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Henry would return to WWE and take on a more monstrous persona. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing persona

• in propria persona
• persona grata
• persona non grata

Rhymes for persona

• annona
• bellona
• cardona
• cinchona
• kimono
• ramona
• belladonna
• desdemona
• bona
• dona
• jonah
• krona

Medical Definition

persona

noun

per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə, -ˌnä 

plural personas

: an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of C. G. Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima sense 1