username

noun

us·​er·​name ˈyü-zər-ˌnām How to pronounce username (audio)
variants or less commonly user name
plural usernames also user names
: a sequence of characters that identifies a user (such as on a computer system, website, or social media platform)
Never reuse a username and password combination. While doing so is convenient, if that combination is ever stolen from one service you use … it will expose every service you have that uses it.Rachel Cericola
These e-mail addresses generally look like this: "username@location.xxx".Walter S. Mossberg

called also user ID

Examples of username in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anyone who possesses the right credentials (username, password, MFA) is granted broad access based on the outdated assumption that being on the network equals being trusted. Steve Riley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 In a viral video shared on Instagram on Wednesday under the username @lifewithsnowdogs, the poster can be seen running in the park with her husky, Leo, who initially manages to keep up with her, but soon gets tired. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 In a notice confirming the breach, Plex says an unauthorized third party had gained access to a limited set of its customer data, which includes their emails, usernames, hashed passwords, and authentication data. PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 The best implementations of passkeys don’t even need a username. Jacob Roach, Wired News, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for username

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of username was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Username.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/username. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

username

noun
: a sequence of characters that identifies a user when logging onto a computer or website

called also user ID

More from Merriam-Webster on username

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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