dowager
a woman who holds some title or property from her deceased husband, especially the widow of a king, duke, etc. (often used as an additional title to differentiate her from the wife of the present king, duke, etc.): a queen dowager; an empress dowager.
an elderly woman of stately dignity, especially one of elevated social position: a wealthy dowager.
noting, pertaining to, or characteristic of a dowager: the dowager duchess; to prefer a dowager style of dress.
Origin of dowager
1Other words from dowager
- dow·a·ger·ism, noun
Words Nearby dowager
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use dowager in a sentence
When I tell her that Clooney is rumored to also kiss the dowager Countess during the episode, she chuckles.
Elizabeth McGovern on the ‘Downton Abbey’ Xmas Album and Lady Grantham’s Kiss with George Clooney | Marlow Stern | November 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTVacations are as mysterious to me as weekends are to the dowager Countess of Grantham.
One First-Timer’s Adventures in Culebra and Puerto Rico | Kara Cutruzzula | March 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTDame Maggie Smith's fiery dowager Countess will get a confidante in the form of Lady Shackleton, played by Dame Harriet Walters.
The Red Blooded Blue Bloods Hoping To Mend Lady Mary's Heart | Tom Sykes | March 4, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTSince her husband's death in 1999, she has been queen dowager of Jordan.
Queen Noor of Jordan Demanded her Gardener Grow Mangoes in Chilly England | Tom Sykes | May 2, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTHe called up his mother, the dowager countess, and asked her to come over and look after the children.
Lord Lucan’s Whereabouts: The Tabloid Rebirth of a Decades-Old Crime | William Coles | February 25, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
How little did he divine that the letter of the doctor was called forth by a communication from the countess-dowager.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodThe old dowager's voice toned down, and she pulled her black feathers straight upon her head.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodThe doctor had been spending Easter at Cannes, and the dowager had devoutly prayed that he might not yet return.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodAnd the countess-dowager fanned herself complacently, and neither she nor Maude cared for the absence of a groomsman.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodThe countess-dowager was not very adroit at spelling and composition, whether French or English, as you observe.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
British Dictionary definitions for dowager
/ (ˈdaʊədʒə) /
a widow possessing property or a title obtained from her husband
(as modifier): the dowager duchess
a wealthy or dignified elderly woman
Origin of dowager
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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