noun
mourning
MAW-nihng
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."
2
The clothing traditionally worn while grieving, typically black in Western cultures.
"Her mourning consisted of a simple black dress and veil."
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
Word Forms
mournings plural, Mournings plural
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She wore black during the official period of _____.
Etymology
From "mourn" plus "-ing."