plural does or doe
: the adult female of various mammals (such as a deer, rabbit, or kangaroo) of which the male is called buck

DOE

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
Department of Energy
2
depends on experience

Examples of 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.
Noun
In 2020, a tip led to the prosecution of a Yuba County man, who authorities said killed seven does and dumped their bodies to avoid detection. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 This is especially true with does, who become more successful reproducers with age. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 For starters, the doe-foot wand makes for super precise application, even in hard-to-reach spots like the inner corner. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026 With a party happening north of her forehead and beaded fashion commanding attention south of her shoulders, her makeup was minimal, featuring doe eyes, faint blush and peach-pink lips. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doe

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English do, from Old English dā; akin to German dialect tē doe

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doe was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doe. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural does or doe
: the female especially of an adult mammal (as a deer, an antelope, or a rabbit) of which the male is called buck

Medical Definition

DOE

abbreviation
dyspnea on exertion

Legal Definition

DOE

abbreviation
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