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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
So why is ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ – the pseudonym adopted by the inventor of Bitcoin Bitcoin -2.3% and the blockchain – such a resolute recluse? Sandy Carter, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Because of the security risks faced by Russian deserters, pseudonyms are used throughout. Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024 After relaying urgent pleas for help via WhatsApp groups, Abu Malek—a pseudonym, because he was not authorized to speak to the media—rushed to rescue people from the pancaked structure. Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 In a separate filing, Brooks denounces Roe's legal team for naming him in her California lawsuit before the Mississippi court could rule whether to allow Brooks to continue the case with a pseudonym. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024 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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Dictionary Entries Near pseudonym

Cite this Entry

“Pseudonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pseudonym. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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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