moody

adjective

ˈmü-dē How to pronounce moody (audio)
moodier; moodiest
Synonyms of moody
1
: subject to depression : gloomy
is often moody in the winter
2
: subject to moods : temperamental
moody teenagers
3
: expressive of a mood
a moody painting/ballad/film
moodily
ˈmü-də-lē How to pronounce moody (audio)
adverb
moodiness
ˈmü-dē-nəs How to pronounce moody (audio)
noun

Synonyms of moody

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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
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.
The ballad finds Fontaines’ Grian Chatten and Rosalía trading lines over a moody acoustic strum that repeatedly swells with strings and clattering drums. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026 Only three of these immersive spas exist in the world (the others are in Macau and Milan), making this a rare and fun adventure, particularly if the weather outside is looking moody. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 Creed-Miles plays guitar and sings, delivering raw, emotive vocals that a modern, moody version of Marianne might very much like. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026 It’s filled with old-world charm (overstuffed couches, moody lighting) but also turns into a lively scene in the evenings. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moody

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moody was in the 14th century

Rhymes for moody

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Browse Nearby Words

mood swing
moody
Moody
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Cite this Entry

“Moody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moody. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

moody

adjective
ˈmüd-ē How to pronounce moody (audio)
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 How to pronounce moody (audio)
adverb
moodiness
ˈmüd-ē-nəs How to pronounce moody (audio)
noun

Biographical Definition

Moody

biographical name

Moo·​dy ˈmü-dē How to pronounce Moody (audio)
Dwight Lyman 1837–1899 American evangelist
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