pseudonym

noun

pseu·​do·​nym ˈsü-də-ˌnim 

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name

Did you know?

Pseudonym has its origins in the Greek adjective pseudōnymos, which means “bearing a false name.” French speakers adopted the Greek word as the noun 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 of pseudonym

• alias

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

Sullivan said to refer to the juror with a pseudonym, but Reddington protested, saying the juror had given interviews on TV and in podcasts. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

In the nearly 30 years since Time Out of Mind, Dylan has steered his own ship by producing all his records under the pseudonym Jack Frost. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

Cornell explains decision to allow student’s return The woman, identified in court papers by the pseudonym Jane Doe, sued Cornell and seven men last month, saying she was given ketamine and raped at a fraternity house in 2024. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Under the pseudonym Lancer Brooks, DeSimone directed The Collection (1970), considered to be among the first gay adult films with a plot and dialogue. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for pseudonym

• antonym
• kibbutzim
• synonym
• brim
• clim
• dim
• grim
• gym
• him
• hymn
• im
• limb

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Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun

pseud·​onym

ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name