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

While Bareilles famously wrote the score for the show, Tippett played Earl, the moody husband of the story's protagonist, Jenna, before the show's official move to Broadway. —Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Pair them with navy, rust, or cream table linens to create a moody and calming fall tablescape. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025

One driven by style (a moody palette of earth tones sets the scene for the three-story inn) and by booking the hottest dinner reservation in town (the fine dining restaurant, Matilda, is one worth traveling for). —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025

The pigment is creamy, lasts forever, and compliments an eye-liner wing or moody eye shadow. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 1 Oct. 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