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Definition of moonlight

moonlight

/ˈmuːn.laɪt/
moon · light
Adjective:moonlit
•
Past Simple:moonlighted
•
Past Participle:moonlighted
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Present Participle:moonlighting
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moonlight Lexical Profile

moonlight Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The light reflected from the surface of the moon, illuminating the night.

Example

"The quiet lake shimmered softly under the pale silver moonlight."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To have a second job in addition to one's regular full-time employment, especially one worked in the evening or at night.

Example

"To pay off his student loans faster, the high school teacher decided to moonlight as a freelance tutor on weekends."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

moonface
moonflower
moonless
moonlight
moonlight gourami
moonlighter
moonlighting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'moon' (from Old English 'mōna') and 'light' (from Old English 'lēoht'). The verb sense meaning to work a second job at night emerged in mid-20th-century American English.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Moonlight. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/moonlight
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