pseudonym

noun

pseu·​do·​nym ˈsü-də-ˌnim How to pronounce pseudonym (audio)
: a fictitious name
especially : pen name

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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.

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
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Another woman, who testified under the pseudonym Mia, also took the stand. Chantelle Lee, Time, 2 July 2025 Directed by Starsky & Hutch alum Paul Michael Glaser, the 1987 film is a (very) loose adaptation of Stephen King's book of the same name, published in 1982 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. EW.com, 1 July 2025 In his long term relationship with the Pulp Fiction star, Emmett directed last year’s Travolta feature Cash Out under the pseudonym Ives. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 June 2025 The 2025 capsule collection focused on the work of Tom of Finland, the pseudonym of Touko Valio Laaksonen, the Finnish master of homoerotic art. Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 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

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pseudonym was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Pseudonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pseudonym. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun
pseud·​onym
ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim
: a fictitious name
especially : pen name

More from Merriam-Webster on pseudonym

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