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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
Most plaintiffs have filed suit using their real names but some identify themselves as Jane or John Doe.
—Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025
Police first described one of the victims as a John Doe.
—Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
The project was created and written by Brandon Camp (John Doe), who would serve as co-showrunner alongside Taylor Elmore (Justified).
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 24 Jan. 2025
Colorado authorities have identified the remains of a John Doe as a man who disappeared more than two years ago.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
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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 7 Feb. 2025.
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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