persona

noun

per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə How to pronounce persona (audio)
-ˌnä
plural personae pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē How to pronounce persona (audio)
-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
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.
From the start, Oakley has designed sunglasses for durability and functionality, expanded into thoughtful designs that take on their own persona. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority. Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025 Lohan, who played twin sisters in another Disney remake, 1998’s The Parent Trap, plays a different kind of dual role here and does so with remarkable ease, moving back and forth between two personas. Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025 The partnership also includes WWE’s developmental series NXT, where the next generation of superstars hone their craft and develop their in-ring personas. Essence, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for persona

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persona was in 1732

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Cite this Entry

“Persona.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persona. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

persona

noun
per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə, -ˌnä How to pronounce persona (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on persona

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