Definition

1. Noun:
   • The widow of a king: A woman who holds the title of queen because she was married to a king who has died, but who is not the mother of the reigning monarch.

Usage

• The term "queen dowager" is a formal title used to distinguish the king's widow from other queens, such as a reigning queen or a queen consort (the wife of a reigning king).
• It is used as a title of respect and indicates her status as the former king's spouse.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • The queen dowager attended the coronation of her stepson, the new king.
  • As queen dowager, she continued to live in the royal palace and advise the court.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The role and influence of a queen dowager varied greatly depending on the time period and culture. Some wielded significant political power as regents for young monarchs.
• Distinction from "Queen Mother": A "queen dowager" is specifically the king's widow. She is only called the "queen mother" if she is also the mother of the reigning sovereign.

Variants and Related Words

• Dowager (noun): A widow who holds a title or property from her deceased husband.
• Queen consort (noun): The wife of a reigning king.
• Queen regent (noun): A queen who rules a kingdom because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.
• Queen mother (noun): A dowager queen who is the mother of the reigning monarch.

Synonyms

• Dowager queen: (A less common but synonymous phrase).
• King's widow: (A descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases

• "The Dowager Queen [Name]": A common formal style of address.
  • Example: The ceremony was presided over by the Dowager Queen Elizabeth.

Noun

1. the widow of a king