moodier; moodiest
1
: subject to depression : gloomy
2
: subject to moods : temperamental
3
: expressive of a mood
moodily adverb
moodiness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bright greens and yellows are big no-nos, but warm, earthy tones make a well-balanced pairing for this fiery hue, particularly in spaces like the more traditional, moody interiors of Marcum’s home. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025 What with its rippling mountains, meditative lochs, and misty woodlands, Scotland’s moody atmosphere hits its stride in the cooler seasons. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025 Although the house’s silhouette leans more modern, Alice anchored it with natural textures and a color palette that echoes the lake’s moody greens. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Cats are moody creatures that can get bored easily from the same old, same old. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moody

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moody was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Moody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moody. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

moody

adjective
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 adverb
moodiness noun

Biographical Definition

Moody

biographical name

Moo·​dy ˈmü-dē How to pronounce Moody (audio)
Dwight Lyman 1837–1899 American evangelist

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