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.
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 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 22 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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