merry widow

noun

often capitalized M&W

: a strapless corset or bustier usually having garters attached

Word History

Etymology

The Merry Widow, operetta (1905) by Franz Lehár

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of merry widow was in 1952

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merrythought

merry widow

merrywing

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Merry widow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merry%20widow. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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