A polite expression used when asking someone to do something: 'please' (do ...).
席に座ってください。どうぞ。
Please take a seat. Go ahead.
お先にどうぞ。→ どうぞ、お先に。
After you. — Please, go ahead.
Used to give permission or encourage someone to do something: 'by all means', 'feel free to'.
写真を撮ってもいいですか? どうぞ、遠慮なく撮ってください。
May I take a picture? By all means, feel free to take one.
もし手伝いが必要なら、どうぞ言ってください。
If you need help, please do tell me.
Used when handing something to someone: 'here you are'.
『コーヒーはいかがですか?』『お願いします。』『どうぞ』
Would you like some coffee? — Yes, please. — Here you are.
店員がレシートを渡して『どうぞ』と言った。
The clerk handed me the receipt and said, 'here you go.'
In child language, can function as a noun or in expressions like 'どうぞする' meaning 'to give' (informal/child speech).
小さな子がぬいぐるみを差し出して『どうぞ』と言った(子ども語での使用)。
A small child offered a stuffed toy and said 'here, take it' (child usage).