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.
If writing under a pen name is a form of deception, or akin to leading a double life, Cornwell was more suited to it than most writers. Kirsty McHugh, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 During his downtime, Radcliffe works with the Trevor Project (among other charities); writes poetry (under a pen name); and unwinds by playing fantasy football and learning complex rap lyrics. Julia Emmanuele, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Darian, who uses a pen name for her writing, tells Glamour via Zoom. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025 The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively present the first trailer for the film about two sisters with a strong bond that is inspired by the novel of the same name by Janusz Korczak, also known under his pen name Henryk Goldszmit. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pen name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pen%20name. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pen name

noun
: a false name used by an author

More from Merriam-Webster on pen name

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