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

A day of mourning is being observed in the country as a result of the attacks. —Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024

If played with the know-how, the sounding of church bells in various sequences, tones, and rhythms can signal the time for rejoicing or mourning and when to run to the aid of a neighbor in need. —Joseph Wilson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2024

Klitschko has declared Tuesday a day of mourning for the victims. —Daryna Mayer, NBC News, 8 July 2024

Everyone processes grief differently — Kate Beckinsale, in particular, recently channeled her mourning emotions into a mooning escapade following the death of her beloved cat, Clive. —EW.com, 2 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mourning

• go into mourning
• mourning cloak
• mourning dove

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