Dower Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on July 16, 2025
Dower is the portion of a deceased husband's estate which the law allows to his widow for her lifetime. e.g., She lived comfortably on her dower from her late husband's estate.
Table of Contents
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Dower Definitions
Property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.
Historically, a dower was essential for securing marriage alliances.
A natural endowment or gift.
His voice was a dower from nature, unmatched in its beauty.
A gift or settlement on a bride by her family, separate from a dowry.
The dower served as security for the bride's future.
The act of endowing a wife with a dower.
The dower process was integral to medieval marriages.
A provision accorded by law (historically) to a widow for her support.
The dower rights were fiercely protected in court.
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A portion of a deceased's man estate given to his widow in addition to her inheritance.
Aside from her inheritance, she received a dower that ensured her financial independence.
A spouse's legal entitlement, while alive, to a share of a deceased spouse's real estate or other property.
The part or interest of a deceased man's real estate formerly allotted by law to his widow for her lifetime.
A natural endowment or gift; a dowry.
To give a dower to; endow.
(legal) The part of or interest in a deceased husband's property provided to his widow, usually in the form of a life estate.
(legal) Property given by a groom directly to his bride at or before their wedding in order to legitimize the marriage; dowry.
(obsolete) That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.
(transitive) To give a dower or dowry to.
(transitive) To endow. en
That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.
How great, how plentiful, how rich a dower!
Man in his primeval dower arrayed.
The property with which a woman is endowed
His wife brought in dower Cilicia's crown.
That portion of the real estate of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, or to which a woman is entitled after the death of her husband.
Money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage
A life estate to which a wife is entitled on the death of her husband
Furnish with an endowment;
When she got married, she got dowered
A widow's share for life of her husband's estate.
The ancient laws ensured a wife received her dower upon her husband's death.
A fund settled on a bride at her marriage by her family.
Her father promised a substantial dower upon her wedding.
An endowed portion of land, possessions, or wealth.
The dower lands provided her with a steady income.
The rights of a widow in her husband's estate, especially in relation to land.
Her dower rights entitled her to one-third of the estate's lands.
Dower Snonyms
Dowry
Property or money brought by a bride to her husband on marriage.
The dowry included lands and jewels.
Jointure
An estate settled on a wife for the period of her life after her husband's death, in lieu of a dower.
She lived on the jointure that had been settled on her.
Settlement
An arrangement by which property becomes vested in a trustee or future spouse as part of a marriage agreement.
The marriage settlement included several properties.
Portion
A part of something given to someone, especially as an inheritance.
Each child received an equal portion of the estate.
Gift
Something given voluntarily without payment in return.
The painting was a gift from an admirer.
Bequest
Property or money left to someone in a will.
The bequest from her aunt allowed her to start her own business.
Legacy
Money or property bequeathed to someone in a will.
He left a generous legacy to his children.
Inheritance
Property or money that is received from someone when they die.
The inheritance included a vast collection of books and manuscripts.
Endowment
A gift of money providing a source of income for a person or institution.
His endowment to the university was commemorated with a plaque.
Patrimony
Property inherited from one's father or male ancestor.
The ancient castle was part of the family's patrimony.
Dower Example Sentences
Historically, a dower was intended to provide for a widow's support after her husband's death.
The dower house on the estate was reserved for the widow's use.
Under the terms of his will, she would receive a generous dower.
Her dower included not only money but also valuable family heirlooms.
The concept of dower is often confused with dowry, but they serve different purposes.
The widow lived off her dower, which included a portion of the farmland.
She was assured of her financial independence through her substantial dower.
Dower lands often constituted a significant part of medieval estates.
In some cultures, the dower is provided as a form of financial security for the wife.
She consulted her lawyer about her dower rights as per the estate laws.
The family's wealth was partly built on strategic marriages and dower agreements.
The dower amount was determined at the time of the marriage agreement.
The dispute over the dower led to a lengthy legal battle.
The dower rights were clearly outlined in the medieval legal documents.
Despite modern laws, the concept of dower still exists in some legal systems.
Common Curiosities
What is a stressed syllable in dower?
The first syllable, dow-, is the stressed syllable in "dower."
How many syllables are in dower?
There are 2 syllables in "dower."
How is dower used in a sentence?
Dower is used as a noun referring to a widow’s portion of her husband’s estate or property. e.g., The law entitled her to a third of her husband's estate as her dower.
Why is it called dower?
"Dower" originates from the Old French word "douaire," related to the Latin "dotarium," meaning a portion, reflecting its purpose as a provision for a widow.
How do we divide dower into syllables?
Dower is divided into syllables as dow-er.
What is the root word of dower?
The root word of "dower" is the Latin "dotarium," through Old French "douaire."
What is the singular form of dower?
The singular form is "dower."
What is the verb form of dower?
The verb form of "dower" is not commonly used in modern English; "dower" primarily functions as a noun.
What is another term for dower?
Another term for "dower" is "dowry," although they have different meanings in certain contexts.
What is the plural form of dower?
The plural form of "dower" is "dowers."
Is dower a noun or adjective?
Dower is a noun.
Is dower an adverb?
No, "dower" is not an adverb.
Is dower an abstract noun?
Yes, "dower" is an abstract noun, referring to a legal entitlement rather than a physical object.
Which determiner is used with dower?
Determiners like "a," "the," or "her" can be used with "dower" depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before dower?
The article "a" is used before "dower" when it is singular and unspecified; "the" can be used for specific reference.
What is the pronunciation of dower?
Dower is pronounced as /ˈdaʊ.ər/.
Is dower a negative or positive word?
"Dower" is neutral; it describes a legal or formal provision without inherent positive or negative connotations.
Is dower a countable noun?
Yes, "dower" can be considered countable in the context of referring to specific instances or portions of estate.
What part of speech is dower?
"Dower" is a noun.
Is the word “dower” a direct object or an indirect object?
"Dower" can be a direct object in sentences where it is something being given, provided, or discussed. e.g., The law grants her a dower.
What is the opposite of dower?
The opposite concept of "dower" could be "inheritance" from a child's perspective, as "dower" specifically refers to a widow's provision.
Is dower a vowel or consonant?
The word "dower" starts with a consonant sound.
Is dower a collective noun?
No, "dower" is not typically considered a collective noun.
Which preposition is used with dower?
Prepositions such as "of" (e.g., "dower of the estate") and "from" (e.g., "dower from her husband") are used with "dower."
Which conjunction is used with dower?
Conjunctions are not specifically used with "dower" more than any other noun; it depends on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with dower?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "dower" depending on the context.
Is the dower term a metaphor?
"Dower" itself is not a metaphor; it refers directly to its legal or customary meaning regarding widow’s rights.
Is the word dower imperative?
No, "dower" is not used in the imperative mood; it is a noun referring to legal rights or provisions.
Is the word dower a gerund?
No, "dower" is not a gerund as it does not denote an action or a process.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
