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.
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 WebNote: Some subjects in this story requested pseudonyms for anonymity.—Oliver Haug, Them, 2 Aug. 2024 Deadline has disguised their identities by using pseudonyms.—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 July 2024 Our prediction: While some Claim to Famers opt to use pseudonyms on the show, such is not the case for Hud.—Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 11 July 2024 The 6 others cured or possibly cured of HIV
All were initially known by pseudonyms based on where they were treated.—Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pseudonym
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pseudonym.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French pseudonyme, from Greek pseudōnymos bearing a false name, from pseud- + onyma name — more at name
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