dowager

Everyday

1. A widow who has a title or property from her dead husband, such as a «dowager duchess» or «dowager queen». tree →
2. (informal) A grand, dignified old lady. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons and classic novels, a dowager is a noble widow, often the mother of the new duke or king. In stories it suggests an important, sometimes strict, older woman. Phrases: «dowager duchess», «Empress Dowager», «Queen Dowager».

Examples

• The dowager duchess still lived in the old castle. tree →
• The Empress Dowager ruled China for many years. tree →
• After the king died, his widow became the queen dowager. tree →
• A stern dowager sat in the front row of the concert. tree →
• The young duke's mother was now called the dowager. tree →
• The dowager wore pearls and a feathered hat. tree →
• The Queen-dowager was wise and good, and tried her best to make her people happy. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronounced «DOW-a-jer» (DOW rhymes with cow). Old-fashioned and formal; mostly in history and novels. Comes from «dower», property given to a widow.