moonshine

noun

moon·​shine ˈmün-ˌshīn How to pronounce moonshine (audio)
1
2
: empty talk : nonsense
3
: intoxicating liquor
especially : illegally distilled corn whiskey

Examples of moonshine in a Sentence

Everything they said was just a load of moonshine. during Prohibition, moonshine and “bathtub gin” were made secretly
Recent Examples on the Web The Oak Eye Kentucky bourbon whiskey, apple pie moonshine, and hazel nut liquor–a extra special treat with Graeter’s vanilla ice cream (another Cincy delicacy)–make a visit worthwhile. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 One must-visit stop is Belmont Farm Distillery, which is said to be the birthplace of the first legal moonshine in the U.S. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024 This famed moonshine is currently experiencing a renaissance. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 The downtown distillery and bar uses the original Great Depression-era recipe for its moonshine, but has also expanded to produce vodka, whiskey, sorghum rum, and beer. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moonshine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moonshine.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moonshine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near moonshine

Cite this Entry

“Moonshine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonshine. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

moonshine

noun
moon·​shine ˈmün-ˌshīn How to pronounce moonshine (audio)
1
2
: meaningless talk : nonsense
3
: alcoholic liquor
especially : illegally produced whiskey made from corn
moonshiner
-ˌshī-nər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moonshine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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