Definition of PSEUDONYM

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.

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 six victims are referred to by pseudonyms, and the charges stem from incidents in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2012 and 2014. — David Barron, Houston Chronicle, "Indictments detail Larry Nassar's abuse of gymnasts over 20-year period at Karolyi Ranch," 3 July 2018 As first reported by ESPN’s Paula Lavigne, the student—who is identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe—contends that Michigan State and the three players violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Title IX Lawsuit Over Players' Alleged Rape Adds to Michigan State's Growing Legal Troubles," 13 Apr. 2018 The firm’s four employees, who are anonymous, communicate with the outside world by email using the pseudonym Dave Bitcoin. — Elliott Krause, WSJ, "A Fifth of All Bitcoin Is Missing. These Crypto Hunters Can Help," 5 July 2018 But according to Steve—who asked to use a pseudonym for fear of professional repercussions—the system also invites abuse. — Rachel Nuwer, WIRED, "Silicon Valley’s Exclusive Salary Database," 1 July 2018 Just chew on this apiece: How could Hillary Clinton ever be prosecuted without implicating Obama, who emailed her using a pseudonym? — John Kass, chicagotribune.com, "Obama’s silky lie and FBI bias in the Clinton investigation," 15 June 2018 Hotel management informed agents that a group of four had rented two rooms under the pseudonym. — Hanna Krueger, NOLA.com, "Brazilian man pleads guilty to card-skimming scheme out of Algiers hotel," 4 May 2018 The latest new trial request focuses heavily on testimony from the agent, who appeared in court under a pseudonym. — Fox News, "Arizona man convicted in 2015 Texas attack seeks new trial," 13 June 2018 Adam Yauch directed this gorgeous, psychedelic video himself under his pseudonym Nathaniel Hornblower, with each frame being separately hand-painted. — Morgan Enos, Billboard, "Lil Skies' 'Lust' Continues a Tradition of Animated Hip-Hop Videos: Here Are 15 of the Best," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pseudonym.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.