World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesMerry-Widow
/ˈmɛri ˈwɪdoʊ/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A style of women's undergarment that emphasizes the bust and waist, often associated with a playful or flirtatious demeanor.
"She wore a merry-widow corset that accentuated her figure beautifully." - 2
A term used to describe a widow who is perceived as lively and engaging in social activities.
"After her husband's passing, she became a merry-widow, attending parties and social gatherings with renewed vigor."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term 'merry-widow' originated in the early 20th century, likely derived from the combination of 'merry', meaning cheerful or lively, and 'widow', referring to a woman whose spouse has died. It reflects a cultural archetype of a widow who is perceived as enjoying life despite her status.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Merry-Widow"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Merry-Widow" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
veuve joyeuse
Transliteration: vøv ʒwa.jøz
"Elle est devenue une veuve joyeuse après la mort de son mari."
fröhliche Witwe
Transliteration: frøːlɪçə ˈvɪtə
"Nach dem Tod ihres Mannes wurde sie zur fröhlichen Witwe."
vedova allegra
Transliteration: ˈvedova alˈleɡra
"Dopo la morte del marito, è diventata una vedova allegra."
viuda alegre
Transliteration: ˈβi.u.ða aˈle.ɣɾe
"Se convirtió en una viuda alegre tras la muerte de su esposo."
viúva alegre
Transliteration: viˈuvɐ aˈleɡɾi
"Ela se tornou uma viúva alegre após a morte do marido."
खुश विधवा
Transliteration: khush vidhwa
"पति की मृत्यु के बाद वह खुश विधवा बन गई।"
快乐的寡妇
Transliteration: kuàilè de guǎfù
"丈夫去世后，她成了一位快乐的寡妇。"
행복한 과부
Transliteration: haengbokan gwabu
"남편이 죽은 후 그녀는 행복한 과부가 되었다."
楽しい未亡人
Transliteration: tanoshii mibōjin
"夫が亡くなった後、彼女は楽しい未亡人になった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Merry-Widow"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.