What does moonshining mean?
Moonshining is the making, and sometimes the distribution, of distilled spirits outside the law. The expression is strongly associated with illicit whiskey production, particularly in the United States, where “moonshiners” became familiar figures in the history of alcohol regulation and prohibition. It can also refer, in older or literary language, to work done by moonlight. The term’s present-day connotation is therefore strongly negative: it suggests an illegal, concealed activity rather than ordinary production or drinking. Although it has a deliberately comic or dramatic sound today, moonshining has been a serious matter in legal and social history, with illicit producers evading taxes and regulations. Distinguish it from moonlighting, which means working a second job, and from moonshine itself, which names the illicit liquor rather than the activity of producing it.
The practice of making or distributing distilled alcoholic spirits illegally.
"He was convicted of moonshining after federal agents found his hidden still."
Usually uncountable and chiefly associated with illicit whiskey production.
Work or activity performed by moonlight.
"They spent the summer in the fields, their ancestors having continued the practice of moonshining."
This sense is dated or literary and is much less common than the illicit-distilling sense.
The noun is normally uncountable; the plural is rare and occurs chiefly when separate moonshining operations are being referred to.
"The agents shut down several moonshinings across the valley."
“Moonshining” once described a literal night shift: making illicit spirits under cover of darkness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moonshining come from?
Moonshining is formed from moon + shine, with the sense of making or working by moonlight. Its association with illicit spirits arose because illicit distillers traditionally operated at night to reduce the chance of discovery. The compound also reflects a broader set of English formations, including moonlight and moonlit, built on the same words.
Related word forms
How moonshining is actually used
The word is chiefly associated with illicit whiskey production, especially in the United States. Its older sense of nighttime work is now uncommon; modern readers may confuse it with moonlighting, which means holding a second job.
Easily confused with moonshining
Moonshine is the illicit liquor itself, whereas moonshining is the act or practice of producing or distributing it.
Moonlighting means working at a second job outside one’s main employment, while moonshining ordinarily means illegally producing distilled spirits.