What does username mean?
A username is a unique string of characters chosen by a user to identify themselves on a computer system, website, or online service. It serves as a personal identifier, allowing users to access their accounts and interact with online platforms. Usernames can be a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and are often required to be unique within a given system or service. The choice of username can be a creative expression of one's identity or a simple combination of one's name and numbers. Overall, usernames play a crucial role in online identity and security.
nounA unique string of characters chosen by a user to identify themselves on a computer system, website, or online service.
- A unique identifier chosen by a user for online accounts.
- A name or label used to identify a user in a computer system.
"She created a new account with the username 'bookworm2000'."
"The username 'admin' is often used for system administrator accounts."
"Her username on social media was a combination of her name and birthdate."
The plural form 'usernames' is used when referring to multiple unique identifiers.
"The system administrator had a list of usernames and passwords for all employees."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of username
The term 'username' originated in the early days of computing, when users needed to identify themselves to access computer systems. The word is a combination of 'user' and 'name', and has been in use since at least the 1970s. It is commonly used in computing and online contexts, and has become an essential part of online identity.
Usage notes
The term 'username' is often used interchangeably with 'user name', although some style guides recommend using the single-word form.