moody

adjective

ˈmü-dē 

moodier; moodiest

1

: subject to depression : gloomy

2

: subject to moods : temperamental

3

: expressive of a mood

moodily

ˈmü-də-lē 

adverb

moodiness

ˈmü-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of moody in a Sentence

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

Nicolas Cage is deep in talks to star in True Detective season 5 — the next iteration of the moody crime drama. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025

Find respite at The Emerald Hound, featuring live jazz and craft cocktails in an intimate, moody setting. —Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025

The color palette depicting this album ranged from moody grays and off-whites to sepia tones and a spectrum of browns. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025

The upscale cocktail bar in Butchertown is outfitted with plaid and floral prints, colorful velvet couches, and a moody bar with green chairs and a wall of illuminated whiskey bottles as a centerpiece. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, 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