jane
noun
a girl or woman.
jane
1 American
[jeyn]
/ dʒeɪn /
noun
Slang.
Jane
2
American
[jeyn]
/ dʒeɪn /
noun
jane
British
/ dʒeɪn /
noun
Etymology
Origin of jane
An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; generic use of the proper name
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
She had picked out her favorite mask — a blue one with white polka-dots — and a pair of mary jane shoes with cats on them for her first day.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 29, 2020
In one episode the duo unwittingly land $2000 for getting Ray’s heart broken by a jane who won his honest affections and then dumped him.
From Forbes ● Nov. 18, 2011
Someone to help you interpret, ask follow-up questions and simply lend the support of their presence is invaluable. — jane gross Trust me, you need another person present.
From New York Times ● Dec. 2, 2010
“In high school I read jane Eyre, Vanity Fair, Great Expectations, et cetera,” Immie went on.
From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart
A jane who used to hang out at Feinheimer’s.
From The Efficiency Expert by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Bouchier started watchfully, making just eight off her first 19 balls, before a flurry of boundaries off medium-pacer Jane Maguire in the sixth over kickstarted her knock.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
Experiencing Jane Austen’s most famous work — whether on the page or on the screen — is a cultural rite of passage for many young women.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
“American Classic” boasts a terrific ensemble cast, including Laura Linney, Jon Tenney and Jane Alexander, and looks like perfect comfort TV.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026
The "stunning" route was nominated by Amanda Jane Baldwin, who said she has trodden the path "more times than I can count" since moving to Winscombe seven years ago.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
“Little Jane’s love would have been my best reward,” he answered; “without it, my heart is broken. But Jane will give me her love: yes—nobly, generously.”
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
