pseudonym

noun

pseu·​do·​nym ˈsü-də-ˌnim 

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• alias
• nom de guerre

Examples of pseudonym in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The leader, who sometimes goes by the militaristic pseudonym Abu Mohammed al Jolani, has been making every effort to portray himself as a reasonable and peaceable head of state. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024

Armentrout is a New York Times best-selling author who writes for the YA crowd and adults, the latter under the pseudonym J. Lynn. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

Brooks' original filing came before his accuser, identified under pseudonym Jane Roe, filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Brooks on Thursday. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2024

Tony Peters, a pseudonym to protect the privacy of his family, is a retired educator in Michigan. —Tony Peters, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French pseudonyme, from Greek pseudōnymos bearing a false name, from pseud- + onyma name — more at name

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pseudonym

• under a pseudonym

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Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun

pseud·​onym

ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name