nom de plume
Say it: nom duh PLOOM /ˌnɒm də ˈpluːm/ · noun phrase
What “nom de plume” means
A name a writer uses instead of their real name.
More precisely: A pen name used by a writer instead of their real name.
When to use it
When discussing an author's publishing identity, in a literary or slightly formal conversation about writing and privacy.
Memory trick
The French words mean 'pen name': plume means feather, once used for writing.
Similar words
pen name, pseudonym, alias
Where it comes from
Formed in English from French words meaning 'pen name'.
Quick check
Your friend writes novels under an invented author name while keeping her real name private. What is that name?
a nom de plume or a nickname?
Show the answer
a nom de plume
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