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, according to the suit, has suffered anxiety, fear of showering or changing in her own room, fear that her nude images will be shared online as well as fear of trusting church leadership. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026 According to the complaint, in March 2025, one embryo was implanted in Jane Doe, resulting in what appeared to be a normal pregnancy. Skyler Shepard, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026 The complaint also includes John and Jane Doe defendants whose identities are currently unknown. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026 In fact, the Jane Doe who joined Hecox’s lawsuit against Idaho worried about exactly that. Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 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 30 Jan. 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
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