A mourner is someone who grieves after a person has died. At a funeral, the mourners are the family members, friends, and others who gather to express their sadness and remember the person who passed away. They might cry, share memories, or simply sit quietly with their feelings of loss.

Mourning looks different in different cultures and families. Some mourners wear black clothing as a sign of respect and sorrow. Others might wear white, or even bright colors that celebrate the deceased person's life. Some mourners observe specific traditions, like sitting shiva in Jewish communities or holding a wake in Irish tradition.

The word connects to mourn, which means to feel or show deep sadness about someone's death. A mourner experiences the particular kind of sorrow that comes from losing someone important to them. Even after the funeral ends, mourners continue processing their grief for weeks, months, or even years. Being a mourner means honoring someone's memory while learning to live with their absence.