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.
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 Prosecutors said the convictions carry sentencing enhancements and cover the periods of June 2012 to June 2021 (Jane Doe #1), February 2012 to February 2021 (Jane Doe #2) and September 2004 to September 2014 (Jane Doe #3). Jason Green, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026 She was identified only as Jane Doe in the documents. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 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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