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Synonyms

queen mother

American  

noun

  1. a queen dowager who is mother of a reigning sovereign.


queen mother British  

noun

  1. the widow of a former king who is also the mother of the reigning sovereign

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of queen mother

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

When he became king in 1995 a regency, including the queen mother, was established until Oyo turned 18 when there was an official coronation.

From BBC Aug. 28, 2026

"I just want to do something for the queen mother and the royal family," added the vendor, dressed head-to-toe in black while fielding calls from suppliers in Thailand and China.

From Barron's Oct. 31, 2025

Camilla will then be anointed, in a form similar to that of Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother, in 1937.

From Seattle Times Apr. 29, 2023

There was also the position of the kentake, or queen mother.

From Textbooks Apr. 19, 2023

When he did choose to make a ruling, though, not even his queen mother could sway him.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

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