John Doe

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.

John Doe

noun

1. See Doe

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

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]

Example Sentences

John Doe has participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations, has accused Israel of genocide and chanted, “from the river to the sea”.

From Los Angeles Times

He was arraigned as “John Doe” in an early-morning courtroom session convened without advance word to the press or public, with the goal of avoiding “another Dallas.”

From Los Angeles Times

For several months, he was listed in court records only as “John Doe 2,” an alleged member of a South American theft group that authorities say carried out robberies in California, Oregon and Washington.

From Los Angeles Times

The railroad tunnel in which John Doe #135 was found had spooky graffiti and a dark mystique, the kind of place kids dared each other to walk through at night.

From Los Angeles Times

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