everyman

noun

ev·​ery·​man ˈev-rē-ˌman 

often capitalized

: the typical or ordinary person

Synonyms

• Joe Blow
• Joe Six-Pack
• John Doe
• little guy
• little man
• lug
• slob

Examples of everyman in a Sentence

an actor who is seen as the image of everyman

despite his superstar status, in his movies the actor is able to play the role of an everyman quite convincingly

Recent Examples on the Web

Following building and loan manager George Bailey on an odyssey of rediscovery, the film continues to hold a place in the hearts of multiple generations with its message of value and appreciation for the everyman in America just trying to help his fellow neighbor get by. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024

Hartnett’s working-class suburban dad looks like a blandly handsome everyman attending a concert with his 12-year-old daughter, Riley (Ariel Donoghue), and then — bam! —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2024

There isn’t a whiff of reality to this story, and Hanks is like an alien trying to play an everyman — he’s rarely seemed so uncomfortable and unconvincing. 36. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024

Hanks is Richard, a postwar kid turned white-collar everyman who gives up dreams of becoming a graphic artist to provide for his family. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Everyman, allegorical character in The Summoning of Everyman, 15th century English morality play

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above