pseudonym

noun

pseu·​do·​nym ˈsü-də-ˌnim 

: 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.

Synonyms

• 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

It was based on the novel of the same name by Maxwell Kenton (the pseudonym for Terry Southern and Mason Hoffenberg), with a script by Buck Henry. —Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

Robinson’s pseudonym is derived from a prominent member (with the same name) of the Men In Gear organization associated with the Luton Town Football Club. —Steve Salter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025

Although some characters in Red Alert have pseudonyms, both series end with images of the actors embracing their real-life counterparts. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025

Diddy has not been using that pseudonym since 2001. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025

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

Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun

pseud·​onym

ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim

: a fictitious name

especially : pen name