moonlight

1 of 2

noun

moon·​light ˈmün-ˌlīt How to pronounce moonlight (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The grand sky view, combined with the spectacular night sky without the glow of urban lights, makes this a perfect location to gaze at the Milky Way or enjoy the mystery of the desert washed in the glow of moonlight. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 What is a moonbow? A moonbow, or lunar rainbow, is a rare phenomenon that occurs when moonlight is refracted, reflected, and dispersed by water droplets in the air, just like a daytime rainbow. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
That’s after Emily went to jail at the end of A Simple Favor, and Stephanie, moonlighting as a private detective, helped put her there. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2025 The 2000 satirical horror film, based on a 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, starred Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a New York City investment banker moonlighting as a serial killer. Brendan Le, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moonlight

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of moonlight was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moonlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonlight. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

moonlight

1 of 2 noun
moon·​light -ˌlīt How to pronounce moonlight (audio)
: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 2 verb
: to work at a second job in addition to a regular one
moonlighter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moonlight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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