Dear John

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈDear ˈJohn, n. [countable]

1. Informal Terms a letter, esp. to a soldier, from a woman informing him that she is ending their relationship or wants a divorce:
   a Dear John from home.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

Dear′ John′, [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms a letter from a woman informing her boyfriend or fiancé that she is ending their relationship or informing her husband that she wants a divorce:
   Nothing is worse for a soldier's morale than getting a Dear John.
2. Informal Terms any letter terminating a relationship.

Also called Dear′ John′ let′ter. 

• 1940–45