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.
Detective Filter’s department was involved in the recent identification of Pecan Valley John Doe — whose body had been found in December 2010 — as missing Tennessee State University student, Marcus Rutledge, who had been missing since June 1998. Veronica Fulton, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025 The unknown person became known as Pecan Valley John Doe, who died of undetermined causes. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025 Just before his latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment Captain America: Brave New World arrives in theaters, the trailer for Twisted Metal Season 2 teased Anthony Mackie’s return as John Doe this summer. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025 The teaser trailer for Season 2 sees John Doe (Mackie) and Quiet (Beatriz) risking their lives to compete in a demolition derby tournament hosted by Calypso (Carrigan). Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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