nom de plume

noun
\ ˌnäm-di-ˈplüm How to pronounce nom de plume (audio) \
plural noms de plume\ ˌnäm(z)-​di-​ˈplüm How to pronounce noms de plume (audio) \

Definition of nom de plume

: a name that a writer uses instead of his or her real name : pseudonym, pen name Under her nom de plume, [Stacey] Abrams, 44, has published eight romantic thrillers …— Dartunorro Clark A woman's name on a book practically guarantees marginalization—which is why so many geniuses, from the Brontë sisters to George Sand and George Eliot, chose to use male noms de plume.— Erica Jong

Examples of nom de plume in a Sentence

He wrote under a nom de plume.

Recent Examples on the Web

Natalia’s first novel appeared, in 1942, under a nom de plume, because Mussolini’s racial laws forbade Jews to publish books. Joan Acocella, The New Yorker, "Rediscovering Natalia Ginzburg," 22 July 2019 In the throes of writing and daydreaming about the perfect nom de plume, my illustrations were also coming to life. Haley Moss, Teen Vogue, "Telling My High School Class That I'm Autistic Is the Best Thing I've Ever Done," 12 Apr. 2019 Other examples include the philosopher David Lewis, who published a response to one of his own papers under the nom de plume Bruce Le Catt. Ars Technica, "The Journal of Controversial Ideas—academic freedom sans responsibility is reckless," 25 Nov. 2018 Or so says the website dedicated to her nom de plume, Selena Montgomery. Nicola Pardy, refinery29.com, "Stacey Abrams’ Alter Ego Might Be The Key To Winning Georgia’s Election," 25 May 2018 Generations of big league players were known strictly by colorful, descriptive or ironic nom de plumes. Roy Bragg, San Antonio Express-News, "Great baseball nicknames now seen only once in a Blue Moon (Odom)," 4 Mar. 2018 Rising British musician Grace Shelley -- who records under the nom de plume Tyne -- makes passionate, minimal pop music that pulls influence from Frank Ocean and Purity Ring. Chris Payne, Billboard, "Rising UK Electro-Pop Artist Tyne Brings Hope to a Lover in 'I'd Like That' Video: Premiere," 21 Feb. 2018 Power Paola is the nom de plume of Paola Gaviria, whose life from conception to the cusp of adulthood is told with grace and self-irony in her autobiographical graphic novel, Virus Tropical, which has found readers in Latin America and Europe. Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Virus Tropical': Film Review | Berlin 2018," 20 Feb. 2018 Wuthering Heights was published only one year prior, under the nom de plume Ellis Bell. Ryan P. Smith, Smithsonian, "Ten Major Anniversaries Worth Traveling For This Year," 30 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nom de plume.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of nom de plume

1850, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nom de plume

French, pen name; probably coined in English

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More Definitions for nom de plume

nom de plume

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nom de plume

formal : a name used by a writer instead of the writer's real name