Meaning & Definition of word "Widow"

Widow

/ˈwɪdoʊ/

noun:

  • 1. A woman whose spouse has died and has not remarried.
    • Example: After his passing, she became a widow and had to adjust to life alone.
  • 2. A woman who is unmarried, particularly one who is not a widow in the strictest sense.
    • Example: The widow next door often shares stories about her late husband.
  • 3. In some contexts, a wronged woman or someone who has been abandoned.
    • Example: She felt like a widow after her partner left with no explanation.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'widuwe,' from Proto-Germanic '*widuwō' (female bereft of a spouse).

Common Phrases and Expressions

widow's peak:

A V-shaped point in the hairline at the forehead.

widow's walk:

A railing walk atop a house or barn, originally used for watching for ships.

black widow:

A name often used for a type of spider; also slang for a woman who kills their spouse.

Related Words

widower:

A man whose wife has died and who has not remarried.

bereavement:

The state of having lost someone close, particularly through death.

orphan:

A child whose parents are deceased.

Slang Meanings of widow

Meaning: Black widow

Example Sentence: He's dating a black widow who has gone through several husbands.

Meaning: Biddy

Example Sentence: In some contexts, biddy can refer to an older woman who has lost her husband.