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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
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
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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 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
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