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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
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Word History
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Mourning cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning%20cloak. Accessed 23 Dec. 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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