queen mother

noun

: a queen dowager who is mother of the reigning sovereign

Examples of queen mother 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.
The Rockefeller Wing features several dozen—a rooster with filigreed plumage, the famous mask depicting a queen mother, and plaques that once adorned the kingdom’s royal palace, which British troops ransacked and burned in 1897. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 In 1992, the country finally erected a statue, unveiled by the queen mother, of the command’s lead officer, Sir Arthur Travers Harris. Robert Jervis, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2015 Sculptures like it are common at sites paying homage to queen mothers in the Kingdom of Benin. Alex Greenberger For Artnews, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2021 Even Oprah Winfrey, queen mother herself, has reportedly considered taking it. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 21 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for queen mother

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of queen mother was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Queen mother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/queen%20mother. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

queen mother

noun
: the widowed mother of the king or queen who is currently reigning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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