What term is used for a person whose husband or wife has died?

The term "widowed" specifically refers to a person whose spouse has died. Unlike the other options, which describe different relationship statuses, being widowed directly indicates that the individual was previously married and has lost their partner through death. This distinction is important in various contexts, such as legal documents, social situations, or emotional support services, where understanding the individual's situation can play a critical role in providing appropriate assistance or recognition.

In contrast, the terms "separated" and "divorced" describe situations where a marriage has ended but the spouse is still living. "Separated" typically means that the couple has decided to live apart while still being legally married, whereas "divorced" indicates a legal dissolution of the marriage. The term "single" indicates that a person is not currently in a relationship and does not imply any prior marriage or loss of a spouse. Therefore, "widowed" is the only term that accurately reflects the specific circumstance of losing a spouse.