moody

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

Synonyms of moody

• 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

Lots of velvet, ornate picture frames, dark rooms, formal chandeliers, and moody lighting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Over her two years in the limelight, the vocalist’s beauty has evolved, often swinging between a minimalist, clean girl look to moodier, dark makeup depending on the occasion. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Moments later, the Grammy-winning artist emerged through a haze of smoke, with moody lighting setting the scene. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Among those who celebrate, millennials (36 percent) and Gen Z (34 percent) are nearly six times as likely as boomers to embrace playful, eclectic, and maximalist or moody, dramatic, and glamorous holiday styles. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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