username

American  

[yoo-zer-neym] / ˈju zərˌneɪm /

noun

Computers.

• usernames
  plural

1. Also called sign-in name,.  Also called login name,.  Also called sign-on name.  Also called logon name,.  a unique sequence of characters used to identify a user and allow access to a computer system, computer network, or online account.

2. the part of an email address before the @ sign.

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username British  

/ ˈjuːzəˌneɪm /

noun

1. computing a name that someone uses for identification purposes when logging onto a computer, using chatrooms, or as part of his or her e-mail address

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• usernames
  plural

Etymology

Origin of username

First recorded in 1970–75; user ¹ ( def. ) + name ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

username usernames

At his trial Generalen said his "mentor" in the Foxtrot Network was a man with the username "Agent 47".

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

India has asked Meta to hold off launching its username feature on WhatsApp in the world's most populous country, citing concerns over fraud and impersonation, media reports said Thursday.

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

Valentin-Rios was also able to create a second Snapchat account with the username “Nocits21g” to connect with J.F. and to conceal the activity from his girlfriend, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

The High Court in Glasgow heard Jamieson went by the username PatrolStaff on the Encrochat communication network.

From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2026

Not a fake identity, not a randomized username, nothing.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Earlier this month, India said it believed usernames might increase online fraud, impersonation and other crimes by allowing criminals to contact potential victims without disclosing their phone numbers.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

"Users still require a phone number to use WhatsApp and we've built multiple layers of defense against scams into usernames."

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

The Meta-owned firm described usernames as a privacy feature.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

That co-conspirator, Tycen C. Proper, of Danville, Ohio, identified Roa and Thomas as part of the plot, and shared social media usernames, according to the criminal complaint.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

I look at her cell, and yes, there are some names I recognize, because they have some ego-driven usernames that they mix in with the instrument they play.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold