Slang

empty-nester

This page is about the slang term empty-nester

American and Australian English

Meaning

a parent whose children have grown up and left home

For example

  • After spending many years raising their children, Kevin and Joan are now empty-nesters after their youngest daughter went to live with some friends.

  • We're still getting used to being empty-nesters. The house seems so quiet all the time.

Variety

This is typically used in American and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

An empty-nester is someone whose

a. children have left home

b. birds have flown away

c. savings have disappeared
a) children have left home b) birds have flown away c) savings have disappeared

See Slang of the Day today

Contributor: Matt Errey