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.
The lawsuit argues the latter, that the victim, John Doe 8, did not discover the injuries from the abuse until four years from the time of the filing. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Shopping is as much about browsing as buying, with Fisher noting favorites like Spotty Dog Books & Ale, John Doe Records and Books, Magic Hill Mercantile, Clove & Creek, and the ever-popular Antique Warehouse. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 Another plaintiff, referred to in court filings as John Doe, sued Immanuel, its insurer and Smith that same day. Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2025 The Supreme Court emphasized that its September 10 denial of South Carolina's application was not a ruling on the merits of John Doe's claims but was based solely on the standards for emergency relief. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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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