moonlight

1 of 3

noun (1)

moon·​light ˈmün-ˌlīt 

: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 3

verb

moonlighted; moonlighting

intransitive verb

: to hold a second job in addition to a regular one

moonlighter noun

moonlighter

3 of 3

noun (2)

moon·​light·​er

ˈmünˌlītə(r), 

-ītə-

: one that engages in activity by or as if by the light of the moon: such as

a

: a participant in a night raid

b

: moonshiner

c

: a person holding two jobs at the same time

Examples of moonlight in a Sentence

Noun (1)

A figure appeared in the moonlight.

Verb

She is a secretary who moonlights as a waitress on weekends.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That year, the Perseids will peak in the glare of a waxing moon just four days from turning full, and the moonlight will hide many of the shower's fainter shooting stars. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

When Hoku, or the full moon appears, there are plans to conduct spa treatments outside by moonlight. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

However, his roster spot is locked, so there’s much more mystery over which wide receiver can moonlight as a punt returner. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Thanks to the shrinking publishing industry and dwindling writerly job market, the internet is rife with smart freelance editors, rigorous copy editors, and award-winning authors moonlighting as book doulas. — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from moonlighter

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1957, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing moonlight

• do a moonlight flit

Rhymes for moonlight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

moonlight

1 of 2 noun

moon·​light -ˌlīt 

: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 2 verb

: to work at a second job in addition to a regular one

moonlighter noun