Showing results for screen name. Search instead for screen tape.

screen name

American

Or screenname

noun

Digital Technology.

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"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

We used to worry about online chat rooms where it was unclear who was really behind the screen name.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 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

Comedian Kathy Griffin had her account suspended Sunday for switching her screen name to Musk.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2022

He owned it so much that his screen name was AfroGamer.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023