Definitions

1. noun

A placeholder name, often used in examples or illustrations, instead of a real person’s name.

“The researcher used the name ‘John Doe’ to represent the average patient in the study.”

2. proper noun

A specific instance of a placeholder name, often used in a particular context or document.

“The court case ‘John Doe vs. Jane Smith’ was a landmark decision in the country’s history.”

3. interjection

Used to express surprise or incredulity, often in response to unexpected news.

“When I heard the news, I exclaimed, ‘John Doe is running for president!’”