mourning

American  

[mawr-ning, mohr-] / ˈmɔr nɪŋ, ˈmoʊr- /

noun

1. the act of a person who mourns; sorrowing or lamentation.

   Antonyms:

   rejoicing

2. the conventional manifestation of sorrow for a person's death, especially by the wearing of black clothes or a black armband, the hanging of flags at half-mast, etc.

3. the outward symbols of such sorrow, as black garments.

4. the period or interval during which a person grieves or formally expresses grief, as by wearing black garments.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or used in mourning.

mourning British  

/ ˈmɔːnɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or feelings of one who mourns; grief

2. the conventional symbols of grief, such as the wearing of black

3. the period of time during which a death is officially mourned

4. observing the conventions of mourning

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adjective

1. of or relating to mourning

Other Word Forms

• mourningly
  adverb
• unmourning
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of mourning

before 900; Middle English (noun, adj.); Old English murnung (noun). See mourn, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Explanation

Mourning is a time of sadness because of a loss. When you're in mourning after a loved one dies, it is good to lean on your friends who understand why you are so sad. Mourning is an expression of grief or a time of grieving that follows a loved one's death or other serious loss. Depression, confusion, even losing interest in friends and social activities all can occur when someone is in mourning. An old-fashioned meaning of mourning is specifically the black clothing people traditionally wear following a death. Don't confuse mourning with morning, the early part of the day.

Example Sentences

Mourning ceremonies—traditionally solemn events held 40 days after someone’s death—have become occasions for Iranians to celebrate the sacrifice of their loved ones and reject the Islamic Republic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Mourning the loss of a loved one is difficult for anyone but navigating that grief while being a student adds an extra layer of challenge.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

Mourning for FatMan Scoop carried over well into the weeks following his death.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2024

Mourning is also a necessary response to our changing climate.

From Slate • Aug. 18, 2024

Mourning and George were enslaved on a tobacco plantation in Clover.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• grief