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.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, is seeking monetary damages and a jury trial. Lexi Nicklaus, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026 Two newer plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe 5 and John Doe 1, joined the case in November 2025. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The episode ends with him crying while holding Baby Jane Doe. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The Motown legend had urged a Los Angeles County judge to dismiss the claims as being too old to pursue because the women, identified as Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5, stopped working for the Robinsons in 2020 and 2011, respectively. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Jane Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jane%20Doe. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

Jane Doe

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