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

Caleb, not the only character here who must learn to trust, is a moody, arrogant sort of hunk, like James Dean with Dwayne Johnson biceps, who’ll clash with authority and with privileged rival and roommate Darem Reymi (George Hawkins). —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

Ample bedrooms spill open to the outdoors, and some of the striking bathrooms include moody black vanities and soaking tubs. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026

Here, bergamot, grapefruit, Venezuelan tonka bean, and Indonesian patchouli create a scent that’s darker and moodier than typical Chanel. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

His & Hers, the moody thriller based on the 2020 Alice Feeney novel of the same name, is currently the most popular Netflix show in the world. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 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