Jane Doe

noun

: a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld

Examples of Jane Doe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jane Doe alleged that in 2013, Epstein’s associates directed her to open a Bank of America account as part of a scheme to deceive immigration officials. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 All public documents in the case refer to the mother as Julia Doe and the daughter as Jane Doe. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 Jhaveri and the music business are named as defendants in a civil lawsuit filed last week by a Jane Doe and Father Doe that details similar allegations, according to the lawsuit complaint. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 Jane Doe 5 said in the request for judicial intervention filed on Sunday. Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Jane Doe

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jane Doe was in 1703

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jane Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jane%20Doe. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

Jane Doe

noun
: a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster