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

For example, several waterfalls, such as Victoria Falls in southern Africa and Cumberland Falls in Kentucky, see lunar rainbows when the bright moonlight gets refracted in the dense mist. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

The most favorable conditions for seeing the shower include a dark location away from city lights, clear skies, and little to no moonlight. —Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 21 Dec. 2025

Verb

Conspiracy theories swarmed the internet about Timothée Chalamet moonlighting under the alias of British rapper EsDeeKid, but those can be laid to rest. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2025

Tess murmurs, having had no idea that Alex, who works in finance, has started moonlighting in standup. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025

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