moonlight

1 of 2

noun

moon·​light ˈmün-ˌlīt How to pronounce moonlight (audio)
Synonyms of moonlightnext
: 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 Alpha Capricornids may fare a little better because of their tendency to produce brilliant fireballs capable of shining through the moonlight. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 To search for meteors afterward, turn away from the moon and place a building, tree or other large object between yourself and the moonlight if possible. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Verb
Rodrygo — still recovering after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee six months ago — Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler have all moonlighted on the right wing. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Since the release of Obsession in May, the 25-year-old has gone from an unknown actor moonlighting as a Twitch streamer to a rising Hollywood star. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing moonlight

Rhymes for moonlight

See All Rhymes for moonlight

Browse Nearby Words

moon letter
moonlight
moonlight blue
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moonlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonlight. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for moonlight

Nglish: Translation of moonlight for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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