username

American  

[yoo-zer-neym] / ˈyu zərˌneɪm /

noun

Computers.

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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Etymology

Origin of username

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

Example Sentences

Beyer, who streams on Twitch under the username Central_Committee, is from Pennsylvania and recently moved to Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The trader has since deleted their Polymarket username, meaning they now show up as an unlabeled anonymous account.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Ilyas Lebleu, an A.I. research student based in France who edits Wikipedia under the username Chaotic Enby, first wrote the proposal that was debated and adopted as the site’s A.I. ban.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Nigel Dewale, 60, sent the posts to Carter's TikTok account, under his username "Bogeyman", during the Women's Euro 2025 tournament in which England successfully defended their trophy.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

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

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