Widow — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈwi-(ˌ)dō/ wid·ow

Meaning & Definition of Widow

Widow (noun)

  1. a woman who has lost her spouse or partner by death and usually has not remarried
  2. grass widow
  3. a woman whose spouse or partner leaves her alone or ignores her frequently or for long periods to engage in a usually specified activity

Widow (verb)

  1. to cause to become a widow or widower
  2. to survive as the widow of
  3. to deprive of something greatly valued or needed

Widow (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in woman, wife

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Widow

The most common words with a similar meaning to Widow:

Chiefly dialect: woman

Word Forms of Widow

Inflections: widowed, widowing, widows

Origin & Etymology of Widow

Middle English widewe, from Old English wuduwe; akin to Old High German wituwa widow, Latin vidua, Sanskrit vidhavā, Latin -videre to separate

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Widow

Words & Phrases Containing Widow

Frequently Asked Questions about Widow

What does "Widow" mean?

"Widow" means a woman who has lost her spouse or partner by death and usually has not remarried. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a woman who has lost her spouse or partner by death and usually has not remarried.

What is another word for "Widow"?

Other words for "Widow" include helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady and wife. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Widow" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Widow"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Widow". Common alternatives include helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus, Mrs., old lady, wife, wifey and woman.

Is "Widow" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Widow" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Widow" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Widow" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Widow"?

"Widow" is pronounced /ˈwi-(ˌ)dō/ and divided into syllables as wid·ow.

What is the origin of the word "Widow"?

"Widow" comes from Middle English widewe, from Old English wuduwe; akin to Old High German wituwa widow, Latin vidua, Sanskrit vidhavā, Latin -videre to separate. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Widow" meaning "as in woman, wife"?

When "Widow" (noun) means as in woman, wife, synonyms include helpmate, helpmeet, lady, madam, missus and Mrs..