John Doe

American  

noun

1. an anonymous, average man.

2. a fictitious name used in legal proceedings for a male party whose true name is not known.

3. of or for an unknown person; using the name John Doe to stand for an unknown person.

   The judge issued a John Doe warrant so the police could arrest the culprit when they identified him.

4. an unidentified man.

   The police were looking for a John Doe.

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John Doe British  

noun

1. See Doe

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John Doe Idioms  

1. Also, John Q. Public ; Joe Blow ; Joe Doakes ; Joe Zilch . An average undistinguished man; also, the average citizen. For example, This television show is just right for a John Doe , or It's up to John Q. Public to go to the polls and vote . Originally used from the 13th century on legal documents as an alias to protect a witness, John Doe acquired the sense of “ordinary person” in the 1800s. The variants date from the 1900s. Also see Joe six-pack .

2. Also, Jane Doe . An unknown individual, as in The police found a John Doe lying on the street last night , or The judge issued a warrant for the arrest of the perpetrators, Jane Doe no. 1 and Jane Doe no. 2 . [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

“This case was unusual — it’s not often we see someone end up as a John Doe twice,” project team leader Traci Onders said in the release.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The hospital admitted him under a name the English-speaking world has used for centuries when a legal name can’t be verified: John Doe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025

As John Doe of X said, “bands you never thought you’d see on a boat.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

The third John Doe claims he met Mr Combs in 2006 and began working for him.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2024

“I believe you have a John Doe? He may be my son,” Nali said.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young