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
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He is charged with the murder of Jane Doe until an identification can be made on the remains, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon to cause bodily harm, and improper disposal of human remains. Riley Rourke, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 Less than two months later, the DNA tests came back — Jane Doe was indeed Sheila Ramsey. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026 Documents filed with the Western District of Texas reflect nearly 20 John and Jane Doe victims in the pending cases, along with their legal representatives. Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 For weeks after, she was known only as Jane Doe. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 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 27 Mar. 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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