moonlight

1 of 2

noun

moon·​light ˈmün-ˌlīt 

: 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

Noun

The irreplaceable Barbara Cook put her interpretive stamp on Sondheim’s songbook in her concert tributes, reanimating musical treasures through her own introspective moonlight. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Plus, the Perseids are known to generate bright and colorful fireballs, often vivid enough to shine through moonlight and light pollution. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

Since the pants have a trouser-like silhouette, these leggings can actually moonlight as a pair of work slacks and go well with casual tank tops and sneakers, as well as blouses and heels. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 Feb. 2025

To pay for her stay and her tuition, O’Donnell moonlighted as a waitress. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing moonlight

• do a moonlight flit

Kids Definition

moonlight

1 of 2 noun

moon·​light -ˌlīt 

: the light of the moon

moonlight

2 of 2 verb

: to work at a second job in addition to a regular one

moonlighter noun