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
The listed attorney for the John Doe, who previously spoke to The Daily Mail, did not respond to an email seeking further comment.
—
David Chiu, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Two newer plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe 5 and John Doe 1, joined the case in November 2025.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
An alleged altercation in April 2024 involving Ye and a man — identified in court documents as John Doe — is at the core of the complaint.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for John Doe
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David Chiu, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Two newer plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe 5 and John Doe 1, joined the case in November 2025.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
An alleged altercation in April 2024 involving Ye and a man — identified in court documents as John Doe — is at the core of the complaint.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for John Doe
Cite this Entry
“John Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Doe. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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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