noun
Uncommon
mourning
MAW-nihng
Mourning (noun) means the act or state of grieving, especially after a death. Example: “She wore black during the official period of mourning.”
noun
1
The act or state of grieving, especially after a death.
"She wore black during the official period of mourning."
"The nation observed a week of mourning after the disaster."
"The family stayed home in mourning for several weeks after the funeral."
2
The clothing traditionally worn while grieving, typically black in Western cultures.
"Her mourning consisted of a simple black dress and veil."
"She came to the service dressed in mourning from head to toe."
"The widow put on her mourning and walked slowly behind the coffin."
How to use mourning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of grieving, or the somber clothes worn while doing so.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "morning" (the start of the day) — they sound identical.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
period of mourning
in mourning
mourning clothes
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Word forms
- Plural
- mournings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore black during the official period of _____.
Etymology
From "mourn" plus "-ing."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for mourning
See all rhymes for mourning →Frequently asked questions
What does “mourning” mean?
The word “mourning” means the act or state of grieving, especially after a death. In plain terms, the state of grieving, or the somber clothes worn while doing so.
How do you pronounce “mourning”?
“Mourning” is pronounced MAW-nihng (/ˈmoɹnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mourning” in a sentence?
Here is “mourning” used in a sentence: “She wore black during the official period of mourning.”
What part of speech is “mourning”?
“Mourning” is a noun.
Is “mourning” a common word?
“Mourning” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mourning” have?
“Mourning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or state of grieving, especially after a death.
What is the difference between mourning and grieving?
Mourning refers to the outward act or state associated with loss, including customs, behaviour, and traditional dress, while grieving describes the internal emotional process of coping with loss. Mourning can include grieving but also covers social and cultural expressions of it, such as wearing mourning clothing.
Why is black traditionally worn as mourning clothing in Western cultures?
In Western cultures, black has traditionally been the customary colour for mourning clothing worn by those grieving a death. The practice signals to others that the wearer is in a period of loss, though the tradition has become less rigid in modern dress.
Is mourning always associated with death?
Mourning is most commonly used in the context of grieving after a death, but the word can also describe grieving over other significant losses. Its core sense, however, centres on the period following a death.
