Moonlight
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈmunlaɪt/
Origin
As a surname Monelight in 1337, as Mone lith about 1300. Compound of mone "moon" + lith "light".
Chambers Dictionary of Etymology, Robert K. Barnhart (ed.), Chambers, 1988
Full definition of moonlight
Noun
moonlight
(uncountable)- The light reflected from the moon.Webster's College Dictionary, Random House, 2001
- (attributive) Illuminated by the light from the moon.The Illustrated Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1998
Verb
- To work on the side (at a secondary job), often in the evening or during the night.
- (by extension) To engage in an activity other than what one is known for.
Usage notes
In American English, to moonlight is simply to work at secondary employment;
Mish, Drederick C. (ed.). 1995. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. in British English, it implies working secretly (i.e., not paying tax on the extra money earned).
Treffry, Diana (ed.). 1999. Collins Paperback English Dictionary. 4th ed. Glasgow: HarperCollins.