everyman

noun

ev·​ery·​man ˈev-rē-ˌman 

often capitalized

: the typical or ordinary person

Synonyms

• worker
• little man
• man in the street
• little guy
• John Doe
• Joe Blow
• laborer
• lug

Examples of everyman in a Sentence

an actor who is seen as the image of everyman

despite his superstar status, in his movies the actor is able to play the role of an everyman quite convincingly

Recent Examples on the Web

Told from the point of view of Ruffalo's lawman and the everyman (Tom Pelphry) who is surprisingly leading the robberies, the drama is seriously dark but also thoughtful and addictive. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

The Canadian festival launchpad also reflects the Canuck roots of a comedy legend known for being a gentle and humble everyman to Hollywood audiences before his unexpected death in 1994. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

While others have celebrated his choice to present himself as an everyman, many on the conservative side of the aisle – and in the media–saw this as a slight to President Donald Trump. —Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Nathan Fillion straddles the line between everyman and hunk — and he’s built a career out of it. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Everyman, allegorical character in The Summoning of Everyman, 15th century English morality play

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above