full moon

American  

noun

1. the moon when the whole of its disk is illuminated, occurring when in opposition to the sun.

2. the phase of the moon at this time.

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full moon British  

noun

1. one of the four phases of the moon, occurring when the earth lies between the sun and the moon so that the moon is visible as a fully illuminated disc

2. the moon in this phase

3. the time at which this occurs

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full moon Scientific  

/ fl /

1. The phase of the Moon in which it is visible as a fully illuminated disk. This phase occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth as the Sun and is not in Earth's shadow.

2. See more at moon Compare new moon

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Etymology

Origin of full moon

before 1000; Middle English ful moyne, Old English fulles monan

Compare meaning

How does full-moon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• new moon vs. full moon

Example Sentences

In the meantime, let’s all listen to the “Goldbergs” to honor, full moon or crescent, our great and lasting Goldberg of music.

From Los Angeles Times

These tides typically occur during a new or full moon, causing the oceans to bulge a bit more than usual.

From Los Angeles Times

And the usually gruff and unsentimental Lord Fredrick Ashton was discussing wallpaper with Mrs. Clarke and cheerily picking baby names, and with a full moon coming on, too!

From Literature

“And when the other lads found out what came over me at the full moon...If you were me you’d be a bit secretive too, I’d expect.”

From Literature

“We leave on the full moon. The hunt is on, governess. I hope neither of us comes to regret it.”

From Literature