moonshine

noun

moon·​shine ˈmün-ˌshīn How to pronounce moonshine (audio)
1
2
: empty talk : nonsense
3
: intoxicating liquor
especially : illegally distilled corn whiskey

Examples of moonshine in a Sentence

Everything they said was just a load of moonshine. during Prohibition, moonshine and “bathtub gin” were made secretly
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similar to moonshine, that unsavory reputation still follows the modern spirit. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024 And its secret ingredient is a storied family recipe for Eastern Kentucky moonshine. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024 The Oak Eye Kentucky bourbon whiskey, apple pie moonshine, and hazel nut liquor–a extra special treat with Graeter’s vanilla ice cream (another Cincy delicacy)–make a visit worthwhile. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 One must-visit stop is Belmont Farm Distillery, which is said to be the birthplace of the first legal moonshine in the U.S. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moonshine 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moonshine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near moonshine

Cite this Entry

“Moonshine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonshine. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

moonshine

noun
moon·​shine ˈmün-ˌshīn How to pronounce moonshine (audio)
1
2
: meaningless talk : nonsense
3
: alcoholic liquor
especially : illegally produced whiskey made from corn
moonshiner
-ˌshī-nər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on moonshine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!