single mother

American  

Informal, single mom

noun

1. a mother who brings up a child or children alone, without a partner.

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Etymology

Origin of single mother

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In the memoir, Donovan confronts the origins of his mental health issues, talks about growing up poor in a 900-square-foot home managed heroically by his single mother, Donna, and how even his greatest successes on the field left him unfulfilled.

From Los Angeles Times

The 41-year-old single mother of two, who wears a hijab, works in Montreal's English-language school system as a contract support worker for students with disabilities - a job she loves and where she is exempt from the current law.

From BBC

Wendy Howard, 51, is a user of the Uniform for All scheme and said it had made a big difference in her life as a single mother to two children.

From BBC

Divorced and a single mother, Paul defied those norms.

From The Wall Street Journal

After Paul posted a TikTok in June 2025 jokingly announcing her “bid” as a single mother looking for love, members of the company’s publicity department took notice and, before long, discussions began.

From Los Angeles Times