merry widow

noun

1. a woman's undergarment consisting of a strapless brassiere and short corset with attached garters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of merry widow¹

First recorded in 1950–55; named after The Merry Widow, an operetta (1905) by Franz Lehár ( def ); formerly a trademark

Example Sentences

One day, it’s the hot new thing, perhaps even defining its era; next, it’s “The Merry Widow.”

From New York Times

He won a Grammy for writing the libretto for “The Merry Widow” featuring Beverly Sills.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Harnick also became an accomplished opera translator, providing English librettos for classical works like Lehar’s “The Merry Widow,” Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” and Bizet’s “Carmen.”

From New York Times

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a ribbon bow.

From Washington Times

She styled the tailored look with a headpiece featuring a crinoline base with a layer of tulle and merry widow veiling, adorned with a Petersham ribbon bow.

From Seattle Times