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1
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown
2
: an average man
Synonyms
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
This month, the sheriff’s office learned that the John Doe in the case had ancestors with roots in Michigan dating to the 1800s.
—Antonio Planas, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim, who is being referred to as a John Doe.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024
He has been charged under the pseudonym John Doe 2.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
The complaint also describes an occasion where Phillips allegedly gave the boys beer and John Doe 4 passed out.
—David Bixenspan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near John Doe
Cite this Entry
“John Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Doe. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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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