# Mooney

/ˈmuni/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

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

## Definition

looking or acting like you are dreaming because you are thinking about someone you love. It describes a person who is distracted by romantic thoughts.

For teachers: characterised by a dreamy, distracted, or silly state, typically resulting from romantic infatuation. Often used to describe facial expressions or general demeanour.

## Examples

- He had a mooney look on his face all afternoon.
- Ever since their first date, she has been walking around with a mooney expression, barely noticing anything else.
- The protagonist spends much of the first act in a mooney daze, completely oblivious to the political intrigue unfolding around him as he pines for his distant beloved.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun like 'look', 'eyes', or 'expression'.

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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.