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
If the mourning period lasts too long or affects the cat's health, consulting a veterinarian may be necessary.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
The film tells the story of a city dweller returning to his rural hometown for a mourning period and forming an unexpected bond with a local farmer.
—Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
In the rambling 40-minute press conference, Trump started by striking a somber note of mourning and called on Americans to unite to grieve the victims.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025
That is why Donald Trump’s second inauguration seemed more like a day of mourning, than a day of celebration for many of us Americans.
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mourning 
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Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
The film tells the story of a city dweller returning to his rural hometown for a mourning period and forming an unexpected bond with a local farmer.
—Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
In the rambling 40-minute press conference, Trump started by striking a somber note of mourning and called on Americans to unite to grieve the victims.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025
That is why Donald Trump’s second inauguration seemed more like a day of mourning, than a day of celebration for many of us Americans.
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 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 8 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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