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.
Most of the tour’s SoCal appearances have had two opening acts, Lucinda Williams and the John Doe Folk Trio, and there are no skips in that triple-bill. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2026 John Doe, who was formerly known as Camden 9B, has been identified as Private John Pumphrey, a teen from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, who joined the Revolutionary War in January 1777. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 June 2026 With Lucinda Williams and X band co-founder John Doe as his opening acts, Dylan’s show should be a welcome triple treat. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026 At one point, Cutaia enlisted his wife to contact John Doe #1 of his behalf and demand an immediate cash infusion after he was busted for erratic diving in Indiana. John Annese, New York Daily News, 15 June 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 22 Jun. 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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