widow

A widow is a woman whose husband has died.

When someone mentions a widow, they're usually thinking about a person who's lost their partner. In many cultures, this can be a significant life change that affects how people live and move forward. You might hear about a charity or organization helping widows in need or supporting them as they cope with their loss. Sometimes the term is used more broadly to refer to any woman who's been affected by her husband's death, regardless of her financial situation or social status.