mourning cloak

noun

: a blackish-brown nymphalid butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) that has a broad yellow border on the wings and is found in temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and North America

Examples of mourning cloak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Adult mourning cloak, question mark and comma butterflies may overwinter next year in these piles. Monica Cardoza, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023 Flying insects such as the resident mourning cloak butterfly, adorned in yellow and black, are beginning to emerge. cleveland, 27 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mourning cloak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mourning cloak was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near mourning cloak

Cite this Entry

“Mourning cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning%20cloak. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mourning cloak

noun
: a blackish brown butterfly of Europe, Asia, and North America having a broad yellow border on the wings
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