Sekirov Dictionary

moonlight

/ˈmuːnlaɪt/

verb 6
noun 7
forms 3
phrases 2

verb6

•
Of a thing: to perform a secondary function substantially different from a supposed primary function.
- Some proteins have a primary function of acting as enzymes, but moonlight by carrying out secondary roles such as signal transduction or transcriptional regulation.
•
(informal) to do a second job for money in the evening or at night, as well as a main one
- There are three individual rear seats. They all slide, they all fold, or they can all be removed completely, so that you can moonlight as a van. — 2004
(informal) To engage in an activity other than what one is known for.
(informal) To do a moonlight flit: to secretly leave premises without paying the rent, supposedly at night by the light of the Moon.
(Ireland, historical) To make a night-time attack on a tenant farmer not supporting the policies of the Irish National Land League.
(Ireland, historical) Of a tenant farmer: to be attacked for not supporting the policies of the Irish National Land League.

noun7

•
[before a noun] The light reflected from the Moon, which seems to emanate from it.
- Than Ripheus him self adioynd, & myghty most with launce / Came Iphitus onto my side, by monelight met by chaunce. — 1555
(informal) Chiefly in to do a moonlight: short for moonlight flit (“an act of secretly leaving premises without paying the rent, supposedly at night by the light of the Moon; hence, any act of escaping at night”).
(no longer used) The silvery colour of the light reflected by the Moon.
•
(dialect, no longer used) Synonym of moonshine (“illegally produced or smuggled spirits”).
- Barter'd for game from chace or warren won, / Yon cask holds moonlight, run when moon was none; / And late-snatch'd spoils lie stow'd in hutch apart, / To wait the associate higgler's evening cart. — 1809
(no longer used) A picture of a scene illuminated by light reflected by the Moon.
(no longer used, rare) A journey made at night when the Moon is shining.
(US, no longer used) An oratorical competition; also, a participant in such a competition.

forms

moonlighted · moonlighting · moonlights

Phrases with moonlight

This dictionary works without the internet: on your phone · in Chrome