moonlight

moon-light · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The light of the moon.

  2. 2.

    (informal) To have a second job, typically secretly and at night, in addition to one's regular employment.

  3. 3.

    (attributive) Lit by the moon; happening by the light of the moon.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    moonlight flit — (British) leaving secretly at night, especially to avoid paying rent
  • •
    moonlight sonata — Beethoven's famous piano sonata

Related words

Antonyms: daylight, sunlight
See also: moon, moonshine, starlight, sunlight
Synonyms: moonbeams, moonshine

Etymology

Compound of Old English mona ("moon") + leoht ("light"). The verb sense of having a second job dates from the 1950s, referring to work done "in the dark" or secretly.