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widowhood

American  
[wid-oh-hood] / ˈwɪd oʊˌhʊd /

noun

  1. the state or a period of being a widow or, sometimes, a widower.


Etymology

Origin of widowhood

before 900; Middle English wid ( e ) wehood, Old English widuwanhād, equivalent to widuwan, genitive singular of widuwe widow + -hād -hood

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:

Gomez-Cardona also recommends that couples stress-test their retirement plans for widowhood.

From MarketWatch Jul. 24, 2026

After his father’s death, Robert seemed more interested in promoting his own political career than in helping his mother cope with widowhood.

From The Wall Street Journal May 11, 2026

The remarks drew attention for their deeply personal nature, given Massie’s long record of public service and the sensitive circumstances of his widowhood.

From Salon Nov. 16, 2025

Chernow ends with a brief chapter devoted to Eliza’s life during her 50 years of widowhood, while Vaill makes her the focus of the 100-plus pages of Part 3.

From Slate Oct. 21, 2025

Except that more of them are dressed in the greys and blacks of widowhood, the aunts seem little changed since five years ago when Yolanda was last on the Island.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

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