John Doe

noun

Synonyms of John Doenext
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.
Joining Dylan on tour is three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams and her band, and John Doe Folk Trio. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026 By early 2026, team members from the DNA Doe Project suspected Kinney was their Salmon Creek Beach John Doe, the nonprofit told USA TODAY. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 No other remains were unearthed from that beach, and the shin bone came to be associated with a then-unknown person dubbed Salmon Creek John Doe. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 This year’s exhibitors lean toward younger Los Angeles galleries, including Megan Mulrooney, John Doe Gallery, Gross! Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 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 16 Apr. 2026.

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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