moody

1 of 2

adjective

ˈmü-dē 

moodier; moodiest

1

: subject to depression : gloomy

is often moody in the winter

2

: subject to moods : temperamental

moody teenagers

3

: expressive of a mood

a moody painting/ballad/film

moodily

ˈmü-də-lē 

adverb

moodiness

ˈmü-dē-nəs 

noun

moodiness

2 of 2

noun

mood·​i·​ness -dēnə̇s 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being moody : melancholy, gloom

Synonyms of moody

Adjective

• volatile
• impulsive
• changeful
• irritable
• unstable
• temperamental

Examples of moody in a Sentence

Adjective

I don't know why I get so moody sometimes.

She's a moody woman—she can be happy one minute and angry the next.

The room's moody lighting suggested mystery and romance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While the weather was overcast—and the puffer coats and bomber jackets were in moody neutral hues—the day was about to get a whole lot brighter. — Eden Stuart, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026

But contest judges were impressed with the photo’s moody colors and cinematic feel, the release said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

The ballad finds Fontaines’ Grian Chatten and Rosalía trading lines over a moody acoustic strum that repeatedly swells with strings and clattering drums. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Only three of these immersive spas exist in the world (the others are in Macau and Milan), making this a rare and fun adventure, particularly if the weather outside is looking moody. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for moody

• broody
• buddhi
• judy

Kids Definition

moody

adjective

ˈmüd-ē 

moodier; moodiest

1

: frequently influenced by moods

especially : affected by changeable and gloomy moods or bad temper

2

: expressing a mood

a moody face

moodily

ˈmüd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

moodiness

ˈmüd-ē-nəs 

noun

Biographical Definition

Moody

biographical name

Moo·​dy ˈmü-dē 

Dwight Lyman 1837–1899 American evangelist