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.
Just before his latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment Captain America: Brave New World arrives in theaters, the trailer for Twisted Metal Season 2 teased Anthony Mackie’s return as John Doe this summer. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025 The teaser trailer for Season 2 sees John Doe (Mackie) and Quiet (Beatriz) risking their lives to compete in a demolition derby tournament hosted by Calypso (Carrigan). Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 The victim was classified as a John Doe, then forensic genealogy company Othram Labs began working the cold case along with the sheriff’s office in February 2024, deputies said. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 Since he couldn’t be identified, the victim became known as Lake County John Doe. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!