# moon

/ˈmun/ (US) · /mˈuːn/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moon
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the large, round object that circles the Earth and shines in the sky at night. It changes shape throughout the month as it reflects light from the sun.

For teachers: the natural satellite of the Earth, visible by reflection of sunlight. When capitalised, it refers specifically to Earth's satellite; when lowercase, it can refer to any natural satellite orbiting a planet.

## Examples

- The moon looks very bright tonight.
- Ancient sailors used the position of the moon and stars to navigate across the open ocean at night.
- The gravitational pull of the moon is the primary force driving the ebb and flow of the Earth's tides, a cycle that has shaped coastal ecosystems for millions of years.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I can see moon" but "I can see the moon" — As a unique celestial body, it almost always requires the definite article 'the'.

## Usage notes

- Usually used with the definite article 'the'. Capitalised as 'the Moon' in astronomical contexts to distinguish it from the moons of other planets.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.