mourner

[ mawr-ner, mohr- ]

noun

1. a person who mourns.
2. a person who attends a funeral to mourn for the deceased.
3. (at religious revival meetings) a person who professes penitence for sin, with desire for salvation.

mourner

/ ˈmɔːnə /

noun

1. a person who mourns, esp at a funeral
2. (at US revivalist meetings) a person who repents publicly

Word History and Origins

Origin of mourner¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mourn, -er ¹

Example Sentences

“We’ll never forget you or the path you created for others!” cried out one mourner as the crowd dressed in black and white made its way from the church to the cemetery.

From Seattle Times

“Our hearts are broken,” one mourner said at the site of a rave for peace and love where hundreds were killed in the Hamas-led attack on Oct.

From New York Times

The mourner moves along her diagonal path and the sheet does, too.

From New York Times

"It's not time to be a coward. Those people in our government are cowards because they are afraid of us," a mourner told the BBC's Newshour.

From BBC

Described as the chief mourner, Mr Mbumba said Mr Geingob was unwavering in his commitment to the nation.

From BBC

Related Words

• pallbearer