moonshine
4 synonyms for moonshine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The light given off by the moon.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
bootleg
corn liquor
How to use moonshine
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a jar of moonshine
run moonshine
moonshine still
Etymology
From Middle English "moon-shine." The illicit-alcohol sense comes from smugglers and distillers who worked at night, "by the light of the moon," to avoid being caught.
Full origin of moonshine →Frequently asked questions
What does “moonshine” mean?
The word “moonshine” means the light given off by the moon. In plain terms, either literal moonlight, or homemade (often illegal) strong liquor.
How do you pronounce “moonshine”?
“Moonshine” is pronounced MOON-shyn (/ˈmuːnʃaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “moonshine” in a sentence?
Here is “moonshine” used in a sentence: “The lake shimmered in the moonshine.”
What part of speech is “moonshine”?
Depending on how it is used, “moonshine” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “moonshine” come from?
The word “moonshine” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "moon-shine." The illicit-alcohol sense comes from smugglers and distillers who worked at night, "by the light of the moon," to avoid being caught.
How many meanings does “moonshine” have?
“Moonshine” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the light given off by the moon.
