Widow

Definition

A "widow" refers to a woman who has lost her spouse through death and has not remarried.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɪdoʊ/
• Respelling: WID-oh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɪdəʊ/
• Respelling: WID-oh

In both American and British English, "widow" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It features a short "i" sound as in "bit" in the first syllable, followed by a "d" sound and ending with an "oh" sound. The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English, with a slight variation in the vowel sound of the second syllable.

‍

Etymology

"Widow" is derived from the Old English word "wuduwe", which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "widuwō" and has cognates in various Indo-European languages. The word has been in use since the 12th century to describe a woman whose spouse has died.

Derivatives

• Widowhood
• Widower (a man who has lost his spouse)
• Widow's peak (a V-shaped point of hair growth on the forehead)
• Widow-maker (a thing with the potential to kill men)
• Widow's walk (a rooftop platform on coastal houses)

Synonyms

• Relict (archaic)
• Bereaved
• Mourner

Antonyms

• Husband
• Wife
• Spouse

Usage

The term "widow" primarily describes a woman who has experienced the death of her spouse. It can also be used as a verb to indicate the action of making someone a widow by causing the death of her spouse.

Related Terms

• Bereavement
• Mourning
• Deceased
• Orphan
• Surviving spouse

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A woman whose spouse has died and who has not remarried.‍
• Example: "She has been a widow for three years now."

• In historical contexts, often referring to a woman who holds certain rights or properties deriving from her late husband.‍
• Example: "As a widow, she retained control of her husband’s estate."

• In literature and culture, often depicted as a figure of tragedy, resilience, or independence.
• Example: "The character in the novel is a young widow who overcomes adversity."

Verb

• To make someone a widow or widower by causing the death of their spouse.‍
• Example: The battle widowed many women, leaving them to fend for themselves and their children.