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.
According to Rolling Stone, Jane Doe returned to the stand on Friday and continued to reflect on her account during her time with the 55-year-old. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 June 2025 Another prisoner, 50, requested anonymity and will be referred to as Jane Doe. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by a woman who will proceed anonymously with the suit as Jane Doe. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 30 May 2025 The civil complaint, according to ESPN, was filed by a plaintiff using the pseudonym Jane Doe in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 May 2025 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 12 Jun. 2025.

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
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