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

Shot in moody black-and-white, the film is directed by Springsteen’s longtime filmic collaborator Thom Zimny. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025

This marbled glass cellar, in my favorite moody mix of rust and olive, is smaller than the Bee House, but the swirly colors bring me so much joy with every lid lift and pinch. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025

Fall ready-to-wear collections for 2025 focused dominantly on moody tones with an emphasis on texture. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

Equally moody is Caillier’s textural take on Foliage, weaving branches of sepia, sage green, and sky-blue hues into a cocooning oak leaf motif. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 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