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.
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 But this John Doe would classify into a Designated Player slot, or require Targeted Allocation Money. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 8 Aug. 2025 Then the season ended with the introduction of the titular Twisted Metal tournament, which our protagonist, the amnesiac driver John Doe (Anthony Mackie), is being forced to compete in. Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 31 July 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 7 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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