widowhood

[ wid-oh-hood ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of widowhood¹

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

Example Sentences

Although I found him attractive, we were not on each other’s radars until I was nearly a year into my widowhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Queen Victoria came in for relentless criticism for hiding away in her widowhood for 40 years, dodging public engagements, not giving “value for money” by keeping the glittering royal show wrapped in mourning.

From Los Angeles Times

The art project was launched in January by Olena Sokalska, who lost her husband years ago in a car accident and says she understands the emotional journey of widowhood.

From Seattle Times

That raises barriers for older Americans hoping to renovate or retrofit their homes, or to extract home equity as a buffer against medical expenses, widowhood or other crises.

From New York Times

Under the Family Code, people with a violent history will have limited communication with their children, cannot be guardians or adopt, and may lose property in case of divorce or widowhood, among other sanctions.

From Seattle Times