single mother

American  

Informal, single mom

noun

1. a mother who brings up a child or children alone, without a partner.

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Etymology

Origin of single mother

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“We didn’t have the money to spend,” said Payne, 17, who was raised by a single mother with three younger children.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Kenyan university student Ryan, who follows the videos of Andrew Kibe, says as a young man raised by a single mother, he views the influencer as a surrogate father figure.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

She is also the subject of a 2023 documentary, titled Mountain Queen, about her multiple Everest summit climbs and life as a single mother.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Crow noted that she chose Nashville because she already had family living in the area, family that would become an integral part of her decision to adopt two children as a single mother.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

My father always promises me things and never comes through, which has made it hard for Mom at times since she’s a single mother.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers