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.
The couple, parents of five who are now empty nesters, also often skinny dip in their outdoor hot tub on their Oklahoma property. Lawrence Yee, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024 Any self-respecting black comedy will have its share of twists and turns, but in No Good Deed, there’s no bigger one than the reason why Paul and Lydia are empty nesters in the first place—not just the fact that Emily is away at college, but the fact that the son Jacob is actually dead. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 12 Dec. 2024 Anyone is welcome, but developers and city leaders have young families, empty nesters and working professionals in mind. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 19 Nov. 2024 Sardinia is an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, empty nesters, hikers and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near empty nester

Cite this Entry

“Empty nester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty%20nester. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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