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
Reports noted that her emotional responses didn’t align with those of someone in mourning.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
We are deeply saddened by his passing and join the entire Baylor community during this time of mourning.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 May 2025
Animal shelter workers in Ohio are in mourning after a tough situation presented itself with a sweet cat who was brought into their care.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mourning
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Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025
We are deeply saddened by his passing and join the entire Baylor community during this time of mourning.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 May 2025
Animal shelter workers in Ohio are in mourning after a tough situation presented itself with a sweet cat who was brought into their care.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mourning
Cite this Entry
“Mourning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning. Accessed 6 Jun. 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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