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.
All 17 plaintiffs are former foster youth or parents or guardians of former foster youth, and are listed in court documents as John Doe or Jane Doe plaintiffs. Theresa Clift july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025 According to a new lawsuit filed earlier this month, the plaintiff, identified in court documents only as John Doe, claims he was lured to a Revolt TV location in 2020 under false pretenses by Wallace and others. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 July 2025 With one case in the black, Ballard chooses the next one, John Doe #38, a man last seen on CCTV seven years prior carrying an infant at a bus station. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2025 AllHipHop reported that the lawsuit, filed by John Doe, alleges that the incident occurred in September 2020. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 8 July 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 25 Jul. 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
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