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

The moody Moon in your artistic 5th house and heavyweight Jupiter in your friendly 11th house are in opposition, pitting personal flair against community needs. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026

Opt for moody elegance This gray-and-black laundry room by Denise Morrison of Morrison Interiors in Costa Mesa, California, is moody and modern. —Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026

Instead of a lean eight-episode binge drop and a moody antihero, the medical drama rolls out 15-episode seasons, one a week, full of lofty ideals and heroic characters fighting the good fight. —Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

Even in less ideal conditions—under coolish weather and a blanket of clouds—the beach can be a welcomingly moody companion, offering up serenity and plenty of opportunities for shell collecting. —Stephanie Burt, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 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