moon-eyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"moon-eyed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means having large, bright eyes. Example sentence: The little girl had beautiful, moon-eyed gaze.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Immediately after Diana's death, Britons were less moon-eyed about the monarchy.

Independent

Assange sabotages Jack because Chloe gets all moon-eyed around him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Less predictably Fillon, who will be the standard bearer of the centre-right, also gazes moon-eyed at Putin.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we're measuring impact in terms of months of sleep lost, I read Stephen King's "It" in middle school and remained moon-eyed and haunted for six months.

The New York Times - Books

By the time of her last couple of appearances opposite Matt Smith, the hot, gun-toting mess was giving way to some kind of moon-eyed groupie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The wave machine of my father's breathing, my mother's limestone-fingered steeple, my sister's tiny fidgets, and me, moon-eyed, unforgetting.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

His best-known work radiates emotion with a complexity that is all on the surface, expressed in elongated, unanchored figures; misty-eyed, mooning faces; jagged patches of color; flickering lights and darks; indeterminate spaces; and forthright paint handling.

The New York Times - Arts

In a program consisting of little but highlights, others were offered by Samuel E. Wright in "Lost in the Stars," Keith Thomas and Michelle Robinson in "Moon-Faced, Starry-Eyed" and Mark Linn-Baker in "Tchaikovsky".

The New York Times - Arts

(Picture book; ages 4 to 8) Another moon, another saucer-eyed minx! (What did Halloween heroines look like pre-Tim Burton?) Redheaded Frangoline is a do-gooder girl: "Pure as milk and good as gold, / She always did as she was told".

The New York Times - Books

The front, for example, is a twee, unnecessary Nigel Waymouth photo of Drake the Homely Folkie sitting moon-faced and dozy-eyed pouring over a Spanish guitar and fronted by a pair of "bumper -styled bumper -styledrs.

The Guardian - Music

Next week's total lunar eclipse may thrill millions of skywatchers, but it poses a bit of a challenge for a sharp-eyed NASA moon probe.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moon-eyed" to describe someone who appears innocent, naive, or lost in thought due to their wide, open gaze. It adds a touch of whimsy and gentle observation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "moon-eyed" when describing a character's intense anger, fear, or determination. The phrase is more suited for conveying a sense of innocence, wonder, or naiveté, and misapplying it can dilute the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moon-eyed" is as a descriptive adjective. It modifies a noun, providing information about the size and appearance of someone's eyes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's correctly used to describe someone with large, bright eyes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moon-eyed" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adjective used to describe someone with large, bright, and often innocent-looking eyes. As indicated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of naivety, dreaminess, or wonder. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase adds a touch of whimsical description. When using "moon-eyed", ensure it aligns with the intended emotion and context, avoiding its application to intense or negative emotional states. Consider alternatives like "wide-eyed" or "dreamy-eyed" for subtle variations in meaning. Its presence in reputable publications affirms its validity and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Wide-eyed

Focuses on the physical appearance of having large, open eyes.

Innocent-eyed

Emphasizes the appearance of innocence in someone's eyes.

Dreamy-eyed

Highlights the dreamy or unfocused gaze in someone's eyes.

Saucer-eyed

Describes eyes that are extremely wide, like saucers.

Owlish-eyed

Refers to eyes that are large and round, like those of an owl.

Doe-eyed

Implies a gentle and innocent look, similar to a deer's eyes.

Goggle-eyed

Suggests eyes that are bulging or wide with surprise.

Big-eyed

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone has large eyes.

Bright-eyed

Focuses on the liveliness and alertness conveyed through the eyes.

Starry-eyed

Emphasizes a hopeful and idealistic outlook, often seen in the eyes.

FAQs

How can I use "moon-eyed" in a sentence?

You can use "moon-eyed" to describe someone with a wide, innocent, or dreamy gaze. For example: "The child had a beautiful, "moon-eyed" expression as she watched the fireworks."

What's a good alternative to "moon-eyed"?

Alternatives include "wide-eyed", "innocent-eyed", or "dreamy-eyed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "moon-eyed" to describe an animal?

Yes, "moon-eyed" can be used to describe animals, especially if they have large, round eyes that give them a similar innocent or dreamy appearance.

What is the difference between "moon-eyed" and "starry-eyed"?

"Moon-eyed" generally refers to the physical appearance of having large, bright eyes, while "starry-eyed" describes someone who is idealistic or naive.