mourning

1 of 2

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

mourning

2 of 2

present participle of mourn

Examples of mourning in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Her death sparked widespread mourning and emotional tributes from her fans, Hollywood and the music industry. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

The popular king played a crucial role comforting the nation in times of mourning. — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

The government declared a national period of mourning, as crowds gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Following Parton’s death earlier this week, her streams have exploded, as a nation in mourning looks to celebrate her life and work once more. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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