Synonyms

Jane Doe

American

[doh] / doʊ /

noun

a fictitious name used in legal proceedings for a female party whose true name is not known.

Etymology

Origin of Jane Doe

First recorded in 1935–40; feminine of John Doe

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.

The lawsuit, brought on behalf of a "Jane Doe", cites a record of "incredibly alarming and erratic banking behavior" in her own Bank of America accounts, which were used by Epstein's team.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“Of the civil lawsuits filed by Wigdor, one has been dismissed, the other withdrawn and the Jane Doe case is currently facing motion for case terminating sanctions.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Now let’s meet a hypothetical couple, John and Jane Doe; they’re both 30 and want to buy a house.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

During a high-profile trial this spring, the jury heard from two of Combs' ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified as "Jane Doe".

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Without preliminary, Lawyer Bain said: “I want to see that Jane Doe certificate again.”

From The Secret of Lonesome Cove by Adams, Samuel Hopkins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023