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
Arnold Bennett
b
: a period of time during which signs of grief are shown
after a long mourning, resume their ordinary dresses—Henry Reed
Henry ReedExamples 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
Dua Lipa, the pop star also known as Dula Peep (thanks to Wendy Williams), has piped up with a message of mourning after popular language company Duolingo murdered its adorable owl mascot, Duo, and subsequently asked its users to respect the singer's privacy in the aftermath.
—EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Our district Crisis Team, which is made up of dedicated professionals trained to help with the needs of students, families and school personnel, will be present at the High School and various district sites throughout this period of mourning.
—Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
However, the 30-day mourning period for Carter ended on Tuesday, meaning that the Stars and Stripes will be raised once more.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
As the mourning ends, forcing his return, Anand must decide the fate of his relationship born under duress.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mourning 
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EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Our district Crisis Team, which is made up of dedicated professionals trained to help with the needs of students, families and school personnel, will be present at the High School and various district sites throughout this period of mourning.
—Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
However, the 30-day mourning period for Carter ended on Tuesday, meaning that the Stars and Stripes will be raised once more.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
As the mourning ends, forcing his return, Anand must decide the fate of his relationship born under duress.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mourning
Dictionary Entries Near mourning
Cite this Entry
“Mourning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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