username

American  

[yoo-zer-naym] / ˈju zərˌneɪm /

noun

Computers.

• usernames
  plural

1. Also called sign-in name, login name, sign-on name, 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

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Etymology

Origin of username

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

username usernames

One cybersecurity expert expressed concern that such a vast breach could have occurred based on one compromised username and password.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 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

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

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

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

"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

Pauken gave Person 1 a laptop and a mobile phone, which had encrypted messaging apps connected to an account with usernames Catherine and Cathy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 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

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