Pseudonym, has its origins in the Greek word pseudōnymos, which means "bearing a false name." Greek speakers formed their word by combining pseud-, meaning "false," and onyma, meaning "name." French speakers adopted the Greek word as pseudonyme, and English speakers later modified the French word into pseudonym. Many celebrated authors have used pseudonyms. Samuel Clemens wrote under the pseudonym "Mark Twain," Charles Lutwidge Dodgson assumed the pseudonym "Lewis Carroll," and Mary Ann Evans used "George Eliot" as her pseudonym.
Mark Twain is the pseudonym of the American writer Samuel L. Clemens.
the most notorious serial killer of the 19th century remains known only by the pseudonym of Jack the Ripper
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As usual, Soderbergh edits in style using his Mary Ann Bernard pseudonym and his Peter Andrews pseudonym as well for the fine cinematography.—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 In the 1998 film, Johnny Depp starred as famous journalist Hunter S. Thompson under the pseudonym Raoul Duke.—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 The inmates were named by pseudonym, and their prisons were blacked out.—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025 Speaking confidentially under the pseudonym Lea, the victim claims in the Feb. 7 story that she was contacted by an individual claiming to be Henderson's agent after posting on a Virgin River fan page.—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pseudonym
Word History
Etymology
French pseudonyme, from Greek pseudōnymos bearing a false name, from pseud- + onyma name — more at name
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