Widow

A widow is a woman whose spouse has died and who has not remarried. The male counterpart is a widower. Widowhood is the state of being a widow; it can last for life or end if the person remarries.

The term derives from Old English widewe.

Widowhood can bring economic and social changes. The loss of a partner’s income may affect family finances, and social expectations or mourning practices vary by culture. Support networks, both informal and formal, such as survivor benefits or pensions, can influence the experience of widowhood.

Legal rights and duties related to a widow vary by jurisdiction. In many countries, widows have rights to a share of the deceased spouse’s property and may be eligible for survivor benefits, though the specifics depend on local laws and pension systems. Remarriage terms and eligibility for certain benefits can also differ across systems.

Demographics and impact: Widowhood is more common among older women in many societies due to longer female life expectancy and higher male mortality. It can be influenced by factors such as health, conflict, and social structures. While widowhood is a normal life stage for many, it can carry lasting social and economic implications that vary widely across cultures and individuals.