screen name

American  

Or screenname

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a unique sequence of characters that a person chooses to use for identification purposes when interacting with others online, as in computer games, instant messaging, or forums.

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Etymology

Origin of screen name

First recorded in 1920–25, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

Judge Nicholas Garaufis ruled that the witness, who prosecutors say “occupied a prominent position within the online, alt-right community,” will be identified by just a screen name at Douglass Mackey’s trial this month.

From Seattle Times

Mackey’s lawyer will learn the witness’ identity and be able to perform a background check, but he can’t reveal the name to his client, and the jury and the public will only hear a screen name, the judge ruled.

From Seattle Times

She explained that criminals are able to "hide behind their computer screen name with essential anonymity," creating a "very low-risk, high-reward crime for them."

From Fox News

Born Mohammed Yusuf Khan in 1922 in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, he was known by the screen name of Dilip Kumar once he joined Bollywood in the 1940s.

From Reuters

Before it was a world-changing app, "Napster" was the screen name Fanning used in hacker chat rooms.

From Salon