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
b
: a period of time during which signs of grief are shown
… after a long mourning, resume their ordinary dresses.—Henry Reed
Cite this Entry
“Mourning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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