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

The internet has long accommodated users who wanted to hide their real name behind a clever username or a throwaway account.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

Instead, block the scammer and report the phone number or social-media username to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 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

“What do you want your username to be?” she asks me.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

The rollout to three billion global users of WhatsApp worldwide is expected in the coming months, allowing people to remove or change their usernames at any time.

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

Once it is fully activated, WhatsApp users will be able to connect after exchanging usernames only.

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