John Doe

noun

1
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown
2
: an average man

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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for John Doe 

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of John Doe was in 1593

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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