The Open Dictionary

dowager

noun

UK/ˈdaʊə.dʒəʳ/
US/ˈdaʊə.dʒɚ/

Definitions of dowager noun

  1. Countablelawspecialized

    A woman of high social standing who has inherited a title and property from her deceased husband.

    • The queen became a dowager after the king's death.

    • The dowager continued to live on her late husband's estate.

    • As a dowager, she remained a respected figure in society.

  2. Countableliterary

    An elderly woman who possesses or acts as if she possesses a high social rank.

    • She acted like a dowager, but she was just an ordinary citizen.

    • The old lady behaved like a dowager at the banquet, drawing everyone's attention.

    • She always dressed elegantly, acting like a wealthy dowager.