moonlight

1 of 2

noun

moon·​light ˈmün-ˌlīt 

: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 2

verb

moonlighted; moonlighting

intransitive verb

: to hold a second job in addition to a regular one

moonlighter noun

Examples of moonlight in a Sentence

Noun

A figure appeared in the moonlight.

Verb

She is a secretary who moonlights as a waitress on weekends.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The glowing ribbon of the Milky Way tumbles directly through this cosmic triangle before arcing towards the southern horizon, though its diffuse light will be hidden behind a veil of moonlight on the night of the full moon. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026

Here’s when to watch and how to catch the best views before bright moonlight interferes. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Verb

When his 1991 novel American Psycho, about a yuppie investment banker who moonlights as a serial killer, was adapted into the 2000 film of the same name, Ellis unsurprisingly had opinions. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

An airy dress that can moonlight as a cover-up is an absolute must, especially if suitcase space is limited. — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from moonlighter

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1957, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing moonlight

• do a moonlight flit

Rhymes for moonlight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

moonlight

1 of 2 noun

moon·​light -ˌlīt 

: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 2 verb

: to work at a second job in addition to a regular one

moonlighter noun