Pronunciation

/wɪdəʊ/

Definitions

Noun

A widow is a woman who has lost her husband, typically through death. It can also refer to the estate left behind by a deceased spouse.

Verb (informal)

To become a widow is to become a widow after the death of one’s spouse. To be a widow is to be in this state.

Adjective

Sometimes, “widowed” is used as an adjective to describe someone who is widowed, such as “a widowed mother.”

Phrases

• “Become a widow” signifies the loss of a spouse.
• “A widow’s story” often refers to the experiences of a woman after the death of her partner.
• “Widowed life” can describe the post-spousal lifestyle.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She was a strong, independent widow raising her two children alone.”
• Verb: “After her husband’s passing, she had to adjust to being a widow.”
• Adjective: “The widowed community often comes together for support.”

Synonyms

-鳏夫 (for the male counterpart, not a synonym for the noun widow) -寡妇 (in Chinese, pinyin “guǎfù”)

• Bereaved (describing someone who has lost a loved one) -鳏居 (state of being widowed)
• Widower (the male equivalent, but not a synonym for widow)