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moonwalk

American  
[moon-wawk] / ˈmunˌwɔk /

noun

  1. an exploratory walk by an astronaut on the surface of the moon.

  2. a dance move in which the dancer appears to slide backwards involuntarily while making the motions of walking forward, an illusion achieved by rising onto the ball of one foot, which bears the weight, while sliding the other foot backwards in a flat position, and alternating this step between feet.


verb (used without object)

  1. (of an astronaut) to walk on the surface of the moon.

  2. to perform the moonwalk dance move.

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of moonwalk

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; moon + walk


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The surprise moonwalk was all down to Betty's neighbour, artist Deby McKnight.

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026

After roughly 85 years of television in American homes, viewers have collectively shared historical triumphs and unthinkable tragedies, from Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk in 1969 to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026

He hit play on his phone and began to pop and lock and, yes, attempt to moonwalk on the carpet.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2025

I decided to ham it up, doing my best Michael Jackson moonwalk, pumicing my bare feet as I dragged them awkwardly across concrete.

From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2023

He does a moonwalk that’s worse than anything Trey’s ever attempted.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

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