What does moonlighting mean?
Moonlighting means holding a second job or doing additional paid work outside one's main occupation. Historically, the expression developed from the idea of working by moonlight, so it originally suggested employment undertaken at night. In contemporary usage, however, moonlighting does not necessarily involve nighttime work: a person might moonlight as a tutor, photographer, driver, musician, or freelance designer, often to supplement income, pursue a personal interest, or gain experience in another field. The word is used in both British and American English and can sound informal. Its connotation varies with context: it may describe a useful side opportunity, but it can also imply overwork, financial pressure, or divided attention. In job discussions and profiles, moonlighting generally emphasizes work beyond one's principal role, whereas job-sharing or part-time work usually refers to a reduced or formally arranged schedule.
Supplementary work undertaken in addition to one's main job, often in the evenings or at night.
"He earned extra money through moonlighting as a piano teacher."
The plural moonlightings is grammatically possible but uncommon; moonlighting is also frequently used as an uncountable noun, as in a career in moonlighting.
To work at a second job outside one's main occupation.
"She moonlights as a web designer on weekends."
In modern usage, the work need not occur at night, despite the word's historical association with nighttime employment.
The plural is possible but rarely needed, because moonlighting is commonly treated as an uncountable noun.
"The two moonlighting arrangements gave the performers additional income."
Moonlighting once meant working by the moon's light; today, the phrase can describe any extra job, even one done entirely online during the day.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moonlighting come from?
The word combines moon with light, originally referring to moonlight and later to work performed at night. Moonlighting emerged in the 19th century as a name for taking secondary employment outside one's main occupation, often during nighttime hours. Its figurative use later broadened so that supplementary work need no longer happen after dark. The related forms moonlight, moonlit, moonbeam, and moonrise share the same English root, moon.
Related word forms
How moonlighting is actually used
The term is common in American and British English and is often informal. It can carry a slightly disapproving implication of long hours or financial necessity, though many people use it neutrally or positively to describe flexible supplementary work. Modern moonlighting need not take place at night.
Easily confused with moonlighting
Moonlight can mean the light of the moon or the act of working a second job, while moonlighting usually refers specifically to that supplementary employment or the activity of doing it.