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.
Accompanying her in the video were performers as diverse as Hervé Villechaize, Britt Ekland, and John Doe and Exene Cervenka from the band X. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 26 June 2025 The man, who has not been identified, is listed in the suit as a John Doe. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025 The railroad tunnel in which John Doe #135 was found had spooky graffiti and a dark mystique, the kind of place kids dared each other to walk through at night. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Now the couple, only identified as Jane and John Doe, are suing the luxury hotel brand and its parent company, Marriott International Inc. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 18 June 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 30 Jun. 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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