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

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

By fall of 2021, the youngest of his four children finally went off to college, and he was an empty nester searching for a challenge — something more meaningful than his usual projects.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2023

Zöe, I can't let you leave without asking you one last question I'm going to be an empty nester soon.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2022

“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