Veuve (en. Widow)

/vœv/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A woman whose partner has died.
After the death of her husband, she became a widow.
Après le décès de son mari, elle est devenue veuve.
A woman who has lost her spouse.
The widow received condolences from her friends.
La veuve a reçu des condoléances de ses amis.
A woman who is waiting for her husband to return, usually when he is at war or on a trip.
She considers herself a war widow, waiting for her husband's return.
Elle se considère comme une veuve de guerre, attendant le retour de son époux.

Etymology

From Latin 'vidua' meaning 'widow', related to the verb 'videre' which means 'to see'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

joyful widow
A widow who finds happiness after the loss of her husband.
veuve joyeuse
black widow
A widowed woman who remarries quickly or is perceived as manipulative and deadly.
veuve noire
war widow
A woman whose husband has died in a conflict.
veuve de guerre

Related Words

husband
Male spouse or partner.
mari
see
To perceive with the eyes.
voir
widowhood
The state of a person who has lost their spouse.
veuvage

Slang Meanings

Refers to a widowed woman who dates younger men.
She looks like a modern widow with her young lovers.
Elle a l'air d'une veuve moderne avec ses jeunes amants.
Used to describe a dynamic woman who refuses to be defeated after a death.
She behaves like a revitalized widow, full of life.
Elle se comporte comme une veuve revitalisée, pleine de vie.