empty nester

noun

empty nest·​er -ˈne-stər How to pronounce empty nester (audio)
: a parent whose children have grown and moved away from home

Examples of empty nester in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whitaker said the residences are expected to appeal to young professionals and empty nesters and would come with a homeowners association to handle snow removal, landscaping and exterior building maintenance. Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 And two, because being an empty nester creates the opportunity to reinvent your life. Dwyer Murphy june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025 Unfortunately, most production builders tend to build for specific markets — first-timers, for example, or trade-up buyers or empty nesters. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 The In Living Color alum previously opened up about becoming an empty nester after dropping Harper off at college last August. Kayla Grant, People.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for empty nester

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empty nester was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Empty nester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty%20nester. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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