WordGarden.iowidow
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɪdəʊ/
US
- /ˈwɪdoʊ/
Meanings
Noun
a woman whose spouse has died and who has not remarried
a short last line of a paragraph left alone at the top of the next page or column
Verb
to cause someone to become a widow by killing or losing their spouse
Beyond the definition
The word "widow" describes a woman whose spouse has died. It is more than a simple label for marital status, because it often brings to mind grief, change, and the difficult work of continuing life after loss. In older times, the term also carried clear social and legal meaning, since women in this situation were often treated differently from married or unmarried women. Today, the word is still common in everyday speech, in news stories, in books, and in legal matters such as inheritance or benefits.
"Widow" is a term with deep emotional resonance, referring to a woman whose spouse has died, often especially her husband. It is a word shaped by history and culture, and it often carries ideas of loss, endurance, and social expectation. While the basic meaning is straightforward, its use often suggests more than a change in marital status. It can also suggest a period of mourning, adjustment, and rebuilding after deep personal loss.
Historically, widows held a unique position in society. In many cultures, they faced social stigma and economic hardship, or were subject to specific customs regarding dress, behavior, and property rights. Think of the Victorian era, where widows often wore black for extended periods as a sign of mourning.
Today, while societal norms have evolved, "widow" still carries emotional weight. It is used in legal contexts (such as inheritance and benefits) but also appears frequently in literature, news reports, and personal narratives. You might read about a "war widow" receiving support from the government or encounter the term in a poignant story about loss and healing.
It is important to note that some prefer more sensitive language when discussing bereavement, such as "a woman who has lost her husband" rather than simply labeling someone a "widow." However, the word remains a recognized and often self-identified descriptor for those navigating life after the death of a spouse.
Examples
- 1
Personal loss
She became a widow when she was only thirty.
- 2
Public life
The widow of the former president rarely appears in public.
- 3
Accident
The accident left her a widow with two young children.
- Patternleave someone a widow
cause their husband to die
- 4
Support group
The support group meets twice a month for widows in the area.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
War pension
Many war widows depended on small pensions after the war.
- Phrasewar widow
a woman whose husband died in a war
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- widownounverb
Forms
- widowspluralnounverb