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Moonlighter: meaning, definitions and examples

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moonlighter

 

[ ˈmuːnˌlaɪtə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

employment side

A moonlighter is a person who engages in a secondary job or activity outside of their primary employment, often during the evening or on weekends. This practice is typically pursued to earn extra income or to explore a passion that does not align with one’s primary job. Moonlighting can involve freelance work, part-time positions, or any secondary endeavor that generates revenue. It has become increasingly common as people seek financial stability or explore new career opportunities beyond traditional employment.

Synonyms

freelancer, part-timer, side hustler

Examples of usage

  • She works as a server in a restaurant as a moonlighter.
  • Many teachers take on tutoring as moonlighting to supplement their income.
  • He has been a moonlighter in graphic design while working full-time in marketing.
  • Some waiters are moonlighters who also work as performers on weekends.

Translations

Translations of the word "moonlighter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalhador secundário

🇮🇳 मूनलाइटर

🇩🇪 Nachtarbeiter

🇮🇩 pekerja sampingan

🇺🇦 додатковий працівник

🇵🇱 pracownik dodatkowy

🇯🇵 副業者

🇫🇷 travailleur à temps partiel

🇪🇸 trabajador secundario

🇹🇷 yan işçi

🇰🇷 부업자

🇸🇦 موظف بدوام جزئي

🇨🇿 vedlejší pracovník

🇸🇰 dodatkový pracovník

🇨🇳 兼职工作者

🇸🇮 dodatni delavec

🇮🇸 síðasti starfsmaður

🇰🇿 қосымша жұмысшы

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ დამატებითი სამუშაო

🇦🇿 yan işçi

🇲🇽 trabajador secundario

Etymology

The term 'moonlighter' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the combination of 'moonlight' and 'lighter.' The word 'moonlight' refers to the light reflected from the moon, often associated with activities that occur at night or in the dark. The verb 'to light' brings the connotation of illuminating or making visible. Early uses of the term described individuals who undertook activities during the night when moonlight was available, often related to clandestine or secretive jobs. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe anyone who worked a second job in addition to their primary employment, especially during the evening hours. As economic conditions changed and the gig economy expanded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the concept of moonlighting has become more mainstream, reflecting modern work patterns that emphasize flexibility and multiple income streams.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,639, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.