pseudonym

[ sood-n-im ]

noun

1. a fictitious name used especially by an author to conceal their identity; pen name.

   Synonyms: nom de plume, alias

pseudonym

/ ˈsjuːdəˌnɪm /

noun

1. a fictitious name adopted, esp by an author

Derived Forms

• ˌpseudoˈnymity, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pseudonym¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from Greek pseudṓnymon “false name”; pseud-, -onym

Word History and Origins

Origin of pseudonym¹

C19: via French from Greek pseudōnumon

Example Sentences

Her story was told anonymously under the pseudonym “Alice” in the documentary, and her voice was also distorted to protect her identity.

From BBC

Luke Meyer, a regional field director working for Donald Trump's campaign in Pennsylvania since July, was fired last Friday by the state GOP following reporting by Politico that he hosts a white nationalist podcast under the pseudonym Alberto Barbarossa.

From Salon

“That doesn’t mean somebody can’t use a pseudonym to go online perhaps some people for work reasons or privacy reasons who don’t want to go online under their own name,” she said.

From BBC

Steven, who is using a pseudonym to protect his privacy, told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

District Judge Jesse Furman ordered Buzbee this week to file a motion seeking to allow the personal trainer to proceed in the case using a pseudonym.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alias
• stage name