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• empty nester
  empty nester

  noun

  a parent whose children have reached adulthood and left home.
• empty-nester
  empty-nester

  noun

  a married person whose children have grown up and left home

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

Having a third child, which she still thinks about, would mean she wouldn’t be an empty nester until her mid-60s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Now, I'm an empty nester with an as-yet unpublished novel in a marriage where we can finish each other's sentences.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

She joined Airbnb when she became an empty nester to earn money in retirement and to meet people from around the world.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2023

“I know I have to be an empty nester again. I know he has to be on his own. But my heart hurts.”

From New York Times • May 14, 2021

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