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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
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.
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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).
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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.
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Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
Since he couldn’t be identified, the victim became known as Lake County John Doe.
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Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
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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 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
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