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

Think again, because the feminine style has received a fall-appropriate revamp, leaning into moodier seasonal shades with the occasional pop of color. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

Guest in Residence’s Western Fringe Wool and Cashmere Blend Jacket — moody, dimensional, and never overwhelming, despite all those hanging strands. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Alternatively, brighter whites and traditionally summery pieces can instantly feel autumnal when paired with moodier shades like maroon and olive green. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

From brick red to ashen violet and dusky taupe, these are the soft yet moody nail colors to keep an eye on this fall. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 26 Sep. 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