plural personae pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē How to pronounce persona (audio)
-ˌnī
or personas
Synonyms of persona
1
: a character assumed by an author in a written work
2
a
plural personas [New Latin, from Latin] : an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima
b
: the personality that a person (such as an actor or politician) projects in public : image
3
plural personae : a character in a fictional presentation (such as a novel or play)
usually plural
comic personae

Examples of persona in a Sentence

His public persona is that of a strong, determined leader, but in private life he's very insecure. The band takes on a whole new persona when they perform live.
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.
An interesting and useful way to attentively explore the LMS is via the use of AI personas. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Sarah Connor has reshaped her entire persona (not just her physique) in the wake of what happened to her in the first film. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 Whether through her singing, or her larger-than-life persona and brand, or her entertaining and acting and Dollywood theme park and philanthropy, this is a legendary lady who will continue to be loved by all with a lasting legacy. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persona

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persona was in 1732

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persona.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persona. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

plural personas
: an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of C. G. Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima sense 1

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