moonshiner

[ moon-shahy-ner ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a person who distills or sells liquor, especially corn liquor, illegally.
2. a person who pursues any illegal trade or activity at night.

moonshiner

/ ˈmuːnˌʃaɪnə /

noun

1. a person who illegally makes or smuggles distilled spirits

Word History and Origins

Origin of moonshiner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; moonshine + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Set in rural Tennessee and other Appalachian locales, the show follows the exploits of moonshiners like the legendary Jim Tom Hedrick as they traipse through the mountains making illegal booze.

From Eater

He had the Governor appoint a white sheriff, a young scallawag from the mountains who was a noted moonshiner and desperado.

From Project Gutenberg

"He probably imagines we are sheriffs after him for a moonshiner," said Tom.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no telling how audacious the moonshiner might become in his rage over the ignominy to which the girl had subjected him.

From Project Gutenberg

His horse stood near, and in a few moments he was galloping toward the mountain with the Moonshiner's daughter.

From Project Gutenberg

In the pulpit the war-scarred moonshiner drew gently, deliberately backward, leaving the rifle untouched.

From Project Gutenberg