moonlighting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, but accepted in business and professional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “moonlighting” mean?
The practice of working a second job, especially secretly or unofficially, in addition to one's primary employment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of working a second job, especially secretly or unofficially, in addition to one's primary employment.
It can also refer to any secondary activity done in addition to one's main occupation, sometimes implying the work is done during evening hours or without the main employer's knowledge. Historically, it meant night-time activity by moonlight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally common and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with blue-collar or hourly wage workers in historical use, but now applies to any profession.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “moonlighting” in a Sentence
[Subject] is moonlighting[Subject] moonlights as [secondary job][Subject] moonlights for [company/benefit]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moonlighting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Several teachers in the state school were moonlighting as tutors to make ends meet.
- The contract forbids employees from moonlighting for a direct competitor.
American English
- She's a programmer by day but moonlights as a bartender on weekends.
- The company policy strictly prohibits moonlighting without managerial approval.
adverb
British English
- This is rarely used. One might say 'He works moonlightingly' but it is non-standard and awkward.
American English
- Not standard usage as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He took on a moonlighting gig delivering takeaways.
- The moonlighting work was starting to affect her performance in her main role.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in HR policies regarding conflicts of interest and contract compliance.
Academic
Used in economics and sociology papers discussing labour markets, gig economy, and income supplementation.
Everyday
Common in conversations about making ends meet, career changes, or personal interests.
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields; remains a general lexical item.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moonlighting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moonlighting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moonlighting”
- Using it to mean 'working night shifts' (incorrect). Using it as a verb without an object when meaning 'working as' (e.g., 'He moonlights a taxi driver' should be 'He moonlights AS a taxi driver').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently illegal, but it may violate employment contracts, conflict of interest policies, or tax regulations if undeclared.
No. The term originates from the idea of working by moonlight after one's day job, but it now refers to any secondary job regardless of the time of day it is performed.
'Side hustle' is more informal and often implies entrepreneurial activity. 'Moonlighting' is more formal, implies a second *job* (often waged), and traditionally carries a nuance of secrecy from the primary employer.
Yes. As a noun: 'He was engaged in moonlighting.' As a verb (intransitive, often with 'as'): 'She moonlights as a DJ.'
The practice of working a second job, especially secretly or unofficially, in addition to one's primary employment.
Moonlighting is usually informal, but accepted in business and professional contexts. in register.
Moonlighting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːnlaɪtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːnlaɪtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Burn the candle at both ends (related concept of overwork)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of working by the 'light of the moon' after your day job finishes.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECONDARY ACTIVITY IS NIGHT-TIME ACTIVITY (origin); HIDDEN WORK IS WORK DONE IN DARKNESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY modern meaning of 'moonlighting'?