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

The lawsuit argues both platforms were defectively designed and engaged in false marketing about safety for young users and so should be held liable for the harm young John Doe came to.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Last week, Rana’s lawyers filed a lawsuit in New York state court using the pseudonym John Doe.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“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

John Doe 1 “experienced humiliation, emotional distress and ongoing fear for his safety and dignity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

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

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young