Definition

A person who produces or sells illegal alcoholic beverages, especially whiskey made in secret.

Example

The authorities arrested the moonshiner for operating an illegal distillery in the woods.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a moonshiner around here?

Yeah, I read a book about them once; it was really interesting.

I always thought it was just a myth, but it sounds like there are real ones.

Definitely! It’s fascinating how they operate in secrecy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Moonshiner → The word is formed from "moon" (from Old English *mōna*, meaning the natural satellite of Earth) and "shiner" (from the verb "shine", meaning to emit light). A moonshiner is someone who produces illicit alcohol, often at night, under the light of the moon.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'moon' shining down at night, which helps you remember that a moonshiner is someone who makes alcohol under the cover of darkness.

Visually Confused Words