mourning

[mawr-ning, mohr-]

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.

adjective

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

mourning

/ 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

adjective

1. of or relating to mourning

Other Word Forms

• mourningly adverb
• unmourning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mourning¹

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

Example Sentences

In Jewish religion, to begin the ritual mourning period, called shiva, a body needs to be buried first.

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There is mourning for the dead, horror at the survivors’ suffering, and gratitude for the heroism of those who gave their lives in Israel’s defense after the attacks.

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Cutting off a family member involves a kind of mourning.

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“On behalf of everyone at Condor Club, we send our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with those mourning this extraordinary loss.”

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What is different about the next few days is Manchester is also a city in mourning after the horrific attack on Thursday.

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Related Words

• grief