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.
Happily, the one in question is noted singer-songwriter John Doe, who will also perform Nov. 13 at the Balboa Theater with his pioneering Los Angeles band, X on a double-bill with Los Lobos. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025 Additional testing involving the John Doe’s relatives confirmed the body was that of Eaton, who at this point had been missing for more than three years. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025 Happily, the one in question is noted singer-songwriter John Doe, who will also perform Nov. 13 at the Balboa Theater with his pioneering Los Angeles band, X. Other North Park Music Fest acts this year include such local favorites as The Schizophonics, Lisa Sanders and Gayle Skidmore. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025 The perpetrators are usually identified in the lawsuits as some variation on John Doe, with few identifying details. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 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 18 Jun. 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!