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

But no matter the depths Virgin explores lyrically, the propulsive rhythms and uplifting synths could easily get play time in a moody club. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025

Her disarming, ethereal vocals soar as a subtle-yet-intentional drum beat sets the tone for this moody track. —Luisa Calle, Billboard, 13 June 2025

Footage shows Gregory diving with his camera to enter the moody space filled with slow-moving sharks. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 9 June 2025

The wild plum shade, a rich, moody burgundy, adds a touch of drama with one coat and pushes it into full-on main character territory with two or three. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 29 May 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