moody

adjective

ˈmü-dē 

moodier; moodiest

1

: subject to depression : gloomy

2

: subject to moods : temperamental

3

: expressive of a mood

moodily

ˈmü-də-lē 

adverb

moodiness

ˈmü-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• temperamental

Examples of moody in a Sentence

I don't know why I get so moody sometimes.

She's a moody woman—she can be happy one minute and angry the next.

The room's moody lighting suggested mystery and romance.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Jubilee struck a more uplifting tone compared to past albums, For Melancholy Brunettes returns to some of the band’s moodier origins. —Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

The future king may get moody when things don’t go his way. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025

The new album explores moodier territory, but refracts the melancholy through Zauner’s ever-engaging lens, her voice more self-assured and trustworthy than ever. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025

The moody interior color palette is like a big, happy sigh—couple that with the sound of a light rainfall for some wedding ASMR. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for moody

• broody
• buddhi
• judy

Kids Definition

moody

adjective

ˈmüd-ē 

moodier; moodiest

1

: frequently influenced by moods

especially : affected by changeable and gloomy moods or bad temper

2

: expressing a mood

a moody face

moodily

ˈmüd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

moodiness

ˈmüd-ē-nəs 

noun

Biographical Definition

Moody

biographical name

Moo·​dy ˈmü-dē 

Dwight Lyman 1837–1899 American evangelist