John Doe

noun

ˈjän-ˈdō How to pronounce John Doe (audio)
Synonyms of John Doenext
1
: a party to legal proceedings whose true name is unknown
2
: an average man

Synonyms of John Doe

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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.
The bill also included Lucinda Williams and the John Doe Folk Trio. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2026 With Lucinda Williams and X band co-founder John Doe as his opening acts, Dylan’s show should be a welcome triple treat. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2026 Peacock says to her knowledge, Pumphrey is the oldest John Doe ever identified with genetic genealogy. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2026 Joining Dylan on tour is three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams and her band, and John Doe Folk Trio. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for John Doe

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Browse Nearby Words

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Doe
John Dory
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Cite this Entry

“John Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Doe. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

John Doe

noun
ˈjän-ˈdō How to pronounce John Doe (audio)
: a person in legal proceedings whose true name is unknown or withheld

Legal Definition

John Doe

noun
ˈjän-ˈdō How to pronounce John Doe (audio)
: a party to legal proceedings (as a suspect) whose true name is unknown or withheld compare jane roe, richard roe
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