moonwalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Popular Culture
Quick answer
What does “moonwalk” mean?
A dance move, popularized by Michael Jackson, where the dancer moves backwards while appearing to walk forwards.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dance move, popularized by Michael Jackson, where the dancer moves backwards while appearing to walk forwards.
1. The act of walking on the surface of the moon. 2. A smooth, gliding backwards dance step that creates the illusion of walking forwards.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The dance move is universally understood. The literal term for the lunar activity is used identically.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Michael Jackson and 1980s pop culture in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the origin of the dance's popularization.
Grammar
How to Use “moonwalk” in a Sentence
[Subject] moonwalked across [Location].[Subject] did/performed a moonwalk.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moonwalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He can moonwalk brilliantly across the stage.
- She moonwalked her way to the front of the crowd.
American English
- He moonwalked across the gym floor at the pep rally.
- Try to moonwalk on the linoleum.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a moonwalk tribute act.
- He has a signature moonwalk style.
American English
- The moonwalk challenge went viral.
- Her moonwalk technique needs work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in entertainment marketing (e.g., 'The show's highlight was the moonwalk sequence').
Academic
Used in historical/scientific contexts referring to lunar exploration (e.g., 'The Apollo 11 moonwalk was televised').
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to the dance move (e.g., 'My son learned to moonwalk from a YouTube tutorial').
Technical
In aerospace, refers to Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on the lunar surface.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moonwalk”
- Using 'moonwalk' to mean any strange walk. Confusing it with 'moonlight' as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, he did not invent it. He popularized it globally in 1983. The move existed earlier in street dance, notably by dancers like Jeffrey Daniel.
It is standardly written as one word: 'moonwalk'.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'He moonwalked across the stage.'
They are completely different. 'Moonwalk' is to perform the dance move. 'Moonlight' is to work a second job, often secretly.
A dance move, popularized by Michael Jackson, where the dancer moves backwards while appearing to walk forwards.
Moonwalk is usually informal, popular culture in register.
Moonwalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːn.wɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːn.wɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The word itself is a cultural reference.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOON + WALK: Imagine Michael Jackson walking backwards on the moon – combining both meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORTLESS MOVEMENT IS DEFYING GRAVITY (dance sense). ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING THE UNATTAINABLE (lunar sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'moonwalk' LEAST likely to be used?