/ ˈtɪəfl; NAmE ˈtɪrfl/ adjective
1.
( of a person ) crying, or about to cry :
She suddenly became very tearful.
2.
( of an event, etc. ) at which people feel emotional and cry :
a tearful farewell
► tear·ful·ly / -fəli; NAmE / adverb
► tear·ful·ness noun [ U ]