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

Sean, who prefers to use a pseudonym, met his ex-girlfriend of two years on a club run with mutual friends. —Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024

Letters should be 150 words or less and must be signed (no pseudonyms or initials). —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024

There are those who theorize Roth’s cowriter, Joe Crombie, is actually a pseudonym, which suggests there was at least one reasonable person involved with this. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2024

Combining Simpson’s albums credited to his name and his Johnny Blue Skies pseudonym, he’s collected six top 10-charting efforts. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 22 July 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun

pseud·​onym

ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name