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.
In addition to the Rivas brothers, the suit also names the Assembly and 10 unnamed John Doe individuals as defendants. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The cases, Detective Luke Shaw said, include unidentified Jane Doe, whose body was found in 2000, and John Doe from 1994. Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 Other big stories ➤ AI image helps ID John Doe found near Tucson trail. AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The officer offers up the name John Doe, to which McLeod agrees. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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