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

Maximalist Sage Green Living Room A dark and moody shade of sage green is a fitting backdrop for this maximalist living room. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025

This hue captures a dark, moody essence that beautifully balances deep blues and subtle grays, reminiscent of twilight skies. —Francois Botha, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Instead of turning toward catchier choruses, Cain subverts expectations entirely with her atmosphere and moody new album, Perverts. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Jan. 2025

Naples is a moody city at the best of times, one that loves like no other — and one that doesn’t take too kindly to being cheated either. —James Horncastle, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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