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.

---

Etymology

Origin of screen name

First recorded in 1920–25, for an earlier sense

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

screen name

The trader goes by a default screen name made up of a blockchain address, a long string of numbers and letters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 5, 2026

"The prize money is too little. It's difficult to make a living playing professionally, full-time," former pro eSports football player Monaco said, asking to use his screen name to avoid online abuse.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2025

I spent my remaining hours at home in front of our boxy PC, waiting to hear the chime as the quarterback’s screen name popped up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 4, 2024

It includes the screen name of a TikTok user who has previously posted content from the same location, although the video of this incident had been removed from their account Thursday.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 27, 2023

“I love you too. The problem is, I only know this guy’s screen name, Rapid_One, and—what are you doing?”

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---