mourning

noun

mourn·​ing ˈmȯr-niŋ 

1

: the act of sorrowing

She is still in mourning for her dead husband.

2

a

: an outward sign (such as black clothes or an armband) of grief for a person's death

Lots of people there, and only one man in full mourning.

—Arnold Bennett

b

: a period of time during which signs of grief are shown

… after a long mourning, resume their ordinary dresses.

—Henry Reed

Examples of mourning in a Sentence

a day of national mourning

She is still in mourning for her dead husband.

The whole town was in mourning.

a period of deep mourning

His widow was dressed in mourning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Health officials have raised alarm that traditional funerals and mourning practices can rapidly spread the virus, as the corpses of Ebola victims are highly infectious. —Erikas Mwisi, CNN Money, 24 May 2026

The news of Busch’s cause of death brings clarity to a sport, a region and a nation in mourning. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2026

Social media was flooded with messages of mourning and remembrance in the wake of the crash. —Reeti Malhotra may 23, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026

This is a good weekend to ponder that, with its yin and yang emphasis on mourning and renewal. —Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mourning

• go into mourning
• mourning cloak
• mourning dove

Rhymes for mourning

• corning
• horning
• morning
• scorning
• warning
• adorning
• forewarning
• midmorning

Kids Definition

mourning

noun

mourn·​ing ˈmōr-niŋ 

ˈmȯr-

1

: the act of grieving

2

: an outward sign (as black clothes or a black arm band) of grief for a person's death

to wear mourning

3

: a period of time during which signs of grief are shown