grass widow
Noun: A woman whose husband is temporarily absent, often for a prolonged period due to work, travel, or other commitments. Historically, it also referred to a woman who is divorced or permanently separated from her husband.
The term describes a woman living apart from her husband. It often carries a connotation of the husband's absence being due to his choice or occupation (e.g., military service, business), rather than marital strife. * She became a grass widow for six months when her husband was stationed overseas. * In the 19th century, many colonial officers' wives were grass widows for years at a time.
- The male counterpart is historically "grass widower," though it is far less common.
- The term can sometimes be used humorously or lightly to describe a woman enjoying temporary independence while her partner is away.
- With John on his fishing trip, Mary is a happy grass widow for the week.
- Grass widower (noun): A man whose wife is temporarily absent.
- Widow (noun): A woman whose spouse has died.
- Divorcée (noun): A divorced woman.
- Married woman living apart (from her husband)
The term's meaning has shifted. Its primary modern understanding is of a woman with a temporarily absent husband. Its older use as a synonym for a divorced or separated woman is now largely archaic, though it persists in some historical contexts or definitions. The phrase "grass widow" itself is the core term; it is not typically broken down into phrasal verbs or idioms.
- a divorced woman or a woman who is separated from her husband