mourning
Mourning (noun) means the act or state of grieving, especially after a death. Example: “She wore black during the official period of mourning.”
How to use mourning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of grieving, or the somber clothes worn while doing so.
Don't mix up with "morning" (the start of the day) — they sound identical.
Word forms
mournings plural, Mournings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore black during the official period of _____.
Etymology
From "mourn" plus "-ing."
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.