noun

pseudonym

SOO-duh-nihm

noun

A fake name used instead of someone's real name, especially by writers or performers.

"Samuel Clemens wrote under the pseudonym Mark Twain."

"The whistleblower published the report under a pseudonym to protect her identity."

How to Use Pseudonym

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA made-up name someone uses instead of their real one, often to stay anonymous.

Common mistake

Not the same as an alias used for deception in crime — a pseudonym is typically for writing, art, or privacy.

Common pairings

write under a pseudonym use a pseudonym

pseudonyms plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Samuel Clemens wrote under the _____ Mark Twain.

From Greek pseudonymos, "falsely named" — from pseudes ("false") and onoma ("name").

acronym