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.
The man, known only as John Doe, opted to remain anonymous and spoke to CNN from a darkened room in his New Jersey home. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The John Doe said he was hired as a security guard for the event, but the date and location of the party detailed in his CNN interview with Elizabeth Wagmeister were different from what was stated in his October 14 legal filing. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 In an interview with CNN, a John Doe — whose face was concealed and voice altered to maintain his anonymity — detailed the allegations in his civil complaint, which was initially filed on Oct. 14. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024 Shawn Carter’s name was previously omitted from the lawsuit and was only named as a John Doe. Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 9 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 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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