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
This year's display is particularly favorable because the shower peaks on the night of the new moon, leaving skies free from bright moonlight that can wash out fainter meteors. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 This year, that peak coincides almost perfectly with a new moon, leaving skies virtually free of moonlight and allowing even faint meteors to shine. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
However, his roster spot is locked, so there’s much more mystery over which wide receiver can moonlight as a punt returner. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 Thanks to the shrinking publishing industry and dwindling writerly job market, the internet is rife with smart freelance editors, rigorous copy editors, and award-winning authors moonlighting as book doulas. — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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