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
But the central conceit is almost unspeakably moving in its deranged, borderline necrophiliac way (Cassel’s mourning mogul can’t bear the thought of not knowing what’s happening to his wife, even after death), and Cronenberg is savvy enough to spike his lament with a little self-critique.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Francis' funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day period of mourning called the Novemdiales, with special masses each day.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
Upon the news of the Pontiff’s passing, seven days of national mourning was announced in Argentina.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
The museums may close during the mourning period or may have some sections that are closed and some that remain open.
—Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mourning
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Francis' funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day period of mourning called the Novemdiales, with special masses each day.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
Upon the news of the Pontiff’s passing, seven days of national mourning was announced in Argentina.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
The museums may close during the mourning period or may have some sections that are closed and some that remain open.
—Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 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 2 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share