empty nester

American  

Or empty-nester

noun

1. a parent whose children have reached adulthood and left home.

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empty-nester British  

noun

1. informal a married person whose children have grown up and left home

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Etymology

Origin of empty nester

First recorded in 1960–65; empty nest + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Now, I'm an empty nester with an as-yet unpublished novel in a marriage where we can finish each other's sentences.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2024

After losing a loved one, going through a breakup or becoming an empty nester, our items can become laced with deep sentiment.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

I’m an empty nester and want to live alone.

From Washington Post • Jul. 25, 2022

Duplass’s Dobson, an acclaimed novelist, recent widower and now an empty nester, is struggling to hold himself together.

From New York Times • May 13, 2022

Farmhouse Fixer Jon and Kristina undertake a renovation of a charming 1910 home owned by a baker who is an empty nester.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2021