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1
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown
2
: an average man
Synonyms
Examples of John Doe in a Sentence
to John Doe the most important issues in any election are usually those that affect his wallet
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, Terranova’s lawyer, Vinoo Varghese, cast the family friend, who is identified in court documents as John Doe No. 2, as a clout-chasing liar who accused an NYPD officer to gain social media followers.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 22 Nov. 2024
Representatives for Combs noted the celebrity John Doe’s lawsuit against Buzbee in their Tuesday statement.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
This month, the sheriff’s office learned that the John Doe in the case had ancestors with roots in Michigan dating to the 1800s.
—Antonio Planas, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim, who is being referred to as a John Doe.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near John Doe
Cite this Entry
“John Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Doe. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
John Doe
noun
: a person in legal proceedings whose true name is unknown or withheld
Legal Definition
John Doe
noun
: a party to legal proceedings (as a suspect) whose true name is unknown or withheld compare jane roe, richard roe
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