username

noun

us·​er·​name ˈyü-zər-ˌnām How to pronounce username (audio)
variants or less commonly user name
plural usernames also user names
: a sequence of characters that identifies a user (such as on a computer system, website, or social media platform)
Never reuse a username and password combination. While doing so is convenient, if that combination is ever stolen from one service you use … it will expose every service you have that uses it.Rachel Cericola
These e-mail addresses generally look like this: "username@location.xxx".Walter S. Mossberg

called also user ID

Examples of username in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Thursday’s post went on to explain: In the case of this attack, the bad actors have entered the correct username and password and requested cross-device sign-in. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025 Sign-in with Ethereum, for instance, offers a new approach to authentication, eliminating the need for usernames, passwords or reset links. Wesley Crook, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 In lieu of a caption, Warren simply tagged Drake’s username. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 July 2025 That includes usernames, passwords, wallet keys and any two-factor authentication setups. Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for username

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of username was in 1971

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Username.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/username. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

username

noun
: a sequence of characters that identifies a user when logging onto a computer or website

called also user ID

More from Merriam-Webster on username

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!