pseudonym
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What is a pseudonym? A pseudonym is a false or fictitious name, especially one used by an author.When an author uses a pseudonym, it can also be called a pen name or a nom de plume.There are many reasons an author may choose to use a pseudonym instead of their own name, such as to avoid controversy or to create a persona. Many women authors throughout history have used a male or gender-neutral pseudonym to get their work published due to bias against women writers. A famous example is Mary Ann Evans, who used the pseudonym George Eliot.The word pseudonym can refer to a fake or false name used by anyone, not just writers. It’s typically used so a person can remain anonymous. In legal proceedings, the pseudonyms John Doe, Jane Doe, Richard Roe, and Jane Roe are used in when a person’s name is being kept anonymous. Such names can also be called anonyms.Example: A lot of people use pseudonyms when posting controversial opinions online.
Other Word Forms
- pseudonymity noun
Etymology
Origin of pseudonym
First recorded in 1840–50; from Greek pseudṓnymon “false name”; pseud-, -onym
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The makers of the documentary, The Investigation of Lucy Letby, have given Baby D the pseudonym "Zoe".
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
The video game adaptation written, directed and financed by YouTube star Mark Fischbach, known by his pseudonym Markiplier, is a post-apocalyptic adventure.
From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026
More than a pseudonym, these poets and writers had different backgrounds and influences.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
As she turned over ideas for a pseudonym, Tergit thought of the German word Gitter—the metal grill or grating on a window or a gate—and reversed the syllables.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026
That is why he chose a pseudonym for me: Gul Makai, which means “cornflower” and is the name of a heroine in a Pashtun folk story.
From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
