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

• volatile
• impulsive
• changeful
• irritable
• unstable
• 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

As part of Magnolia’s collab with Loloi—called the Junie Collection—this rug has a soft, low pile and a versatile color palette that can be paired with subtle neutrals or moody jewel tones. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025

Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2025

At one point in the set, during a characteristically epic, multipart number, the music turned moody and the stage blacked out. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025

His April fashion show was equally as starry an affair, with Anne Hathaway, Sadie Sink, Andra Day and more in attendance to take in the moody fall fashions. —Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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