noun
Uncommon
doe
doh
Doe (noun) means a female deer, or a female of certain other animals such as a rabbit, hare, or kangaroo. Example: “A doe and her fawn crossed the trail at dawn.”
noun
1
A female deer, or a female of certain other animals such as a rabbit, hare, or kangaroo.
"A doe and her fawn crossed the trail at dawn."
"The rabbit doe had a litter of six kits in the spring."
"The hunter lowered his camera when the doe lifted her head and stared at him."
How to use doe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe word for a female deer (and, more loosely, the female of a few other animals).
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "dough" (bread mixture or slang for money) — they sound identical.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a doe and her fawn
doe-eyed
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Word forms
- Plural
- does
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ and her fawn crossed the trail at dawn.
Etymology
From Old English dā, "female deer" — an ancient Germanic word related to a root meaning "to suckle."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for doe
See all rhymes for doe →Frequently asked questions
What does “doe” mean?
The word “doe” means a female deer, or a female of certain other animals such as a rabbit, hare, or kangaroo. In plain terms, the word for a female deer (and, more loosely, the female of a few other animals).
How do you pronounce “doe”?
“Doe” is pronounced doh (/doʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “doe” in a sentence?
Here is “doe” used in a sentence: “A doe and her fawn crossed the trail at dawn.”
What part of speech is “doe”?
“Doe” is a noun.
Where does the word “doe” come from?
The word “doe” comes from Old English. From Old English dā, "female deer" — an ancient Germanic word related to a root meaning "to suckle.".
Is “doe” a common word?
“Doe” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a doe and a buck?
A doe is a female deer, while a buck is a male deer. The same male-female distinction using "doe" also applies to certain other animals, such as rabbits, hares, and kangaroos.
What is the difference between a doe and a fawn?
A doe refers to an adult female deer, while a fawn is a young deer, regardless of its sex. A fawn grows up to become either a doe or a buck.
Does "doe" only refer to female deer?
No, "doe" is also used for the females of certain other animals besides deer, including rabbits, hares, and kangaroos.
