: 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.
Additionally, in her second Combs case ruling today, US District Judge Jennifer Rochon rejected a Jane Doe motion to keep her real intently hidden. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025 That same Jane Doe voluntarily dismissed her case in February; weeks later, Jay-Z sued Jane Doe, Buzbee and another attorney for malicious prosecution, abuse of process, civil conspiracy and defamation. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 The Jane Doe went on to voluntarily dismiss her entire complaint against Carter and Combs with prejudice — meaning it can’t be filed again — on Feb. 14 after admitting there were inconsistencies in her story. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025 Identity remained a mystery for years Williams remained a Jane Doe for years despite several attempts to identify her. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jane Doe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jane%20Doe. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a woman who is a party to legal proceedings and whose true name is unknown or withheld
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!